clk Posted 17 July , 2017 Share Posted 17 July , 2017 Hi Robbie, Unfortunately James doesn't appear to have surviving service papers. His Soldiers Died record says that he enlisted in Northampton. The amount of War Gratuity shown paid in his Soldiers Effects record can be used to calculate that he enlisted circa August 1914. That would seem to tie back to some near number men who do have surviving papers. 12924 Trusler attested 31st August 1914 at Northampton 12927 Spicer attested 31st August 1914 at Northampton in addition to his Soldiers Effects record, his CWGC record shows that he was serving with the 6th Bn when he died. However, his British War and Victory Medals roll record shows service with the 1st Bn, and his 14/15 Star Medal roll record shows that he first arrived in active theatre on 10th February 1915. That date is before the 6th Bn arrived, but after the date of the 1st Bn. (For general info see the LLT here). It seems likely that he arrived and initially served as a reinforcement with the 1st Bn, before being posted at some time to the 6th Bn. That time is unknown, but The Scotsman of 30th October 1915 has him (as a 1st Bn man) on a list of recent arrivals to Edinburgh Infirmary. It might be that following treatment and recovery that James was posted back to the 6th Bn. The war diary for the 1st Bn (to the end of 1915) is here. The diary for the 6th Bn is here. Neither are likely to mention James by name. James has a surviving will - £10 from here. It would come as a low resolution, black and white scan of the original, as a pdf file. It may only consist of a few words written on the form in his pay book. If you'd like an image of his headstone the good folk at British War Graves will hopefully be able to send you a high resolution one, on a free of charge basis. Regards Chris Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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