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The Great War (1914-1918) Forum

Remembered Today:

Trying To Identify A Relatives Unit


Kevin Tobin

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This is my first post on this great forum - I hope it's a valid one.

I have looked at the information provided eslewhere and it has really helped me.

I know the name of my relative - George Pettit and that he served in both wars. I believe that he was in the REME in WWII.

The picture attached is of him in WWI I believe and I was wondering if anyone can help identify what unit it might be from the uniform or badge?

I have searched the PRO online records and there are lots of George Pettits!

post-16197-1162241652.jpg

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Sorry about the blurred cap picture - best I could do I'm afraid.

Thanking you in anticipation.

post-16197-1162241726.jpg

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Looks like Royal Engineers to me...could be wrong, though (often am :( )

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Sorry about the blurred cap picture - best I could do I'm afraid.

Thanking you in anticipation.

Very difficult to see , but my guess is Post Office Rifles Battalion. Regards Ian

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Looks like Royal Engineers to me...could be wrong, though (often am :( )

That'll be two of us then ;) , cap badge looks like Royal Engineers to me and it's a small shoulder title which looks very much like "RE".

Steve

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KevinT

The badge seems quite close to the RE one but has a different centre and what looks like a crossed something (2 rifles?).

As you may already know any further second initials of your relative I will add the two from the London Regiments listed in WO372/15 Medal rolls:

Private George J Pettit 1524 London Regt.

Private George H Pettit 353617 London Regt.

Post Office Rifles is the 8th City of London Regiment.

As you say there are 10 or so others as well,including REs ! I don't know if this is where you looked !

Sotonmate

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I would say it was Royal Engineers and the 'RE' shoulder title confirms it. The cap badge you're thinking of and which does look similar, is that of the 10th(County of London) Bn, London Regt(Paddington Rifles). Had it been a London Regiment shoulder title it would have been three tier and the Paddingtons are known to have wore two different patterns;-

"T/10/COUNTYofLONDON" & "T/10/LONDON"

Viewed side on they would have looked;-

T

10

COUNTYofLONDON - this bottom section would be curved.

T

10

LONDON - again lower section curved.

Graham.

P.S.

Looks nothing like Post Office Rifles which happens to have a cross in the centre, and is not unlike that of the Rifle Brigade, as it is those London Regiments with cross and wreath badges are modelled on the Rifle Brigade badge.

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post-7376-1162251452.jpgpost-7376-1162251469.jpg

The badges in question. The Paddington one illustrated here, is also found voided around the crown & swords making it very similar to the RE's, whereas the P.O.Rifles looks nothing like the badge in the photo.

Graham.

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Thanks everyone.

I'm off to Kew on Thursday so will have a better look.

The only thing I do know was that he was from Burton Latimer, Northants. (Kettering)

Cheers.

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Hi all,

In support of Graham's comments it looks like a Royal Engineers cap badge (with a voided centre) and RE shoulder title (regular or New Army). A TF shoulder title would be longer and generally had T-Battalion-Regiment for infantry and T-Regiment-Area for Corps.

Not sure about the London Regiment battalions of Rifles; but the absence of blackened buttons is a combat indicator that this man is not a rifleman.

hope this helps

Aye

Tom McC

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Hi,

Thanks for all of the replies. Having stared at the shoulder flashes through a magnifying glass, I convinced my self that the first one was a R. But on blowing up the picture on the computer it appears to be a 3.

Does this make sense or help in any way?

Thanks

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Having been to Kew today - I have narrowed it down to two? I think?

The one that is most likely was with the Queens Regiment & then the Labour Corps.

Would this fit with the badge?

Thanks

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This man is definately a Royal Engineer, and is probably one of these men.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documen...mp;mediaarray=*

The fact he was a REME in WW2 also provides a no conclusive hint.

Cheers

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  • 3 years later...

After all this time I have finnaly followed the advice on the forum and look for an answer in the LLT!!!

On viewing the section about absent voters lists I found that the Burton Latimer ab voters list was on line!!

My relative is listed PETTIT George Station Road 321046 Spr. 6th MS IW & DRE.

I can only find a MIC on Ancestry. (Damn the bombing!)

I have tried to search buit cannot work out what 6th MS IW & DRE is - Anyone assist please??

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  • 2 weeks later...
  • 3 weeks later...

Thank you both for your replies.

I am ashamed to say that I have only noticed them today sorry.

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