Royal Marine Light Infantry.

[Silverback]

Be kind.

I am trying to compile a record of my uncles service history. together with some detail of the action in which he received the wounds from which he died.

RNVR. Tyneside, Z/4165. William Arscott. DoB.30-06-1897.

DoE 16-04-1915.

To Crystal Palace, 19-04-1915.

On Nominal Roll, 3rd Battalion, 24-04-1915.

Discharged from C.P.Depot, to the Cyclist's Section, R.M.L.I. at Portsmouth. 27-07-1915.

(3rd. Battalion. ''C''Co. 28. Pay No.)

(Attested as R.M. 28-07-1915)

From ADM/339/1

R.M. service.

PO/993/S

Private.

1st Royal Marine Brigade.

DOW. 29-11-1916.

Embarked RM Brigade 05-12-1915.(per HMT ''Northlands'' arrived Alexandria 17-12-1915.)

Joined 1st.RM Bn.at Mudros 26-01-1916.

Served at Stavros 22-02-1916--15-04-1916.

MEF 26-01-1916--15-05-1916, BEF 19-05-1916--29-11-1916, DD.

Would it be possible for SKS. to expand on the above. I have been unable to get any further myself, and have exhausted my limited capabilities.

Thanks, in advance.

Mick.

[horatio2]

What exactly do you not understand in the above? Will try to help. He was almost certainly wounded on 13/14 November 1916 during the fighting for Beaucourt sur Ancre when 1/RMLI Bn atttacked on the left of the RND line and took heavy casualties. Despite being evacuated through the casualty handling chain all the way back to Etaples, he sadly succumbed to his wounds a fortnight later.

His RNVR attestation documents are at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

[Silverback]

What exactly do you not understand in the above? Will try to help. He was almost certainly wounded on 13/14 November 1916 during the fighting for Beaucourt sur Ancre when 1/RMLI Bn atttacked on the left of the RND line and took heavy casualties. Despite being evacuated through the casualty handling chain all the way back to Etaples, he sadly succumbed to his wounds a fortnight later.

His RNVR attestation documents are at the Fleet Air Arm Museum.

Many thanks for the above. I understand the records that I have up to now,but would like to expand them.

Is it possible to obtain details of his service in Salonika.

Is there a Unit diary or some other record of the action in which he was wounded.

Were any campaign medals awarded.( I have been unable to find a medal card.)

Thanks again.

[horatio2]

Nothing much happened at Salonika while the 2nd Bde RND were there. They held the peaceful right flank of the Allied line which covered Salonika. "In certain circumstances the position held would have been one of importance, since it guarded one of the two routes by which the Bulgarians might, if the acquiescence of the Greeks could be secured, direct an attack in strength against us. There was, however, no likelihood of such an attack, of which, in any case, the cavalry patrols many miles in front of our lines would have given us ample warning." So wrote the RND Historian.

There is a mountain of writing about the RND in the Battle of the Ancre. The 1/RMLI war diary is at the NA but is transcribed at :- http://www.cwgc.co.uk/ under RESEARCH

Try also:- http://www.jackclegg.com/ for good RMLI stuff.

November NAVY NEWS has a four-pager on the battle. See also the RND History by Douglas Jerrold.

He would have 1914-15 Star (maybe not, given date of arrrival at MEF); BWM, VM. No "campaign medals".

RN/RM do not have Medal Cards. You need to see the Medals Rolls on film at the NA.

[Silverback]

Nothing much happened at Salonika while the 2nd Bde RND were there. They held the peaceful right flank of the Allied line which covered Salonika. "In certain circumstances the position held would have been one of importance, since it guarded one of the two routes by which the Bulgarians might, if the acquiescence of the Greeks could be secured, direct an attack in strength against us. Ther was, however, no likelihood of such an attack, of which, in any case, the cavalry patrols many miles in front of our lines would have given us ample warning." So wrote the RND Historian.

There is a mountain of writing about the RND in the Battle of the Ancre. The 1/RMLI war diary is at the NA but are transcribed at :- http://www.cwgc.co.uk/ under RESEARCH

Try also:- http://www.jackclegg.com/ for good RMLI stuff.

November NAVY NEWS has a four-pager on the battle. See also the RND History by Douglas Jerrold.

He would have 1914-15 Star (maybe not given date of arrrival at MEF); BWM, VM trio. No "campaign medals".

RN/RM do not have Medal Cards. You need to see the Medals Rolls on film at the NA.

Thanks for the very rapid answer, which will keep me busy for the next couple of days.

Now to try and obtain my fathers records,(c.1928-1945). But that's a different ball-court.

Regards

Mick

[John Morcombe]

Looks to me like you have retrieved the RND Roll details from the Naval & Military Press webshite, but seem to lack the necessary extra details.

He landed in Egypt 17/12/15, so would qualify for the 1914-15 star. However ADM/171 medal roll states "Victory & BWM issued to Mother" so a mistake made in medal issue perhaps?

His RMLI service papers are misfiled in ADM/157/2691 (surnames 'T's 1916).

I probably have a photo of him here, as I know a geezer from Ryton-on-Tyne who does all the local lads' research.

A slight error in your dates:- MEF 26-01-1916-15-05-1916 ; should be 14/05/16.

[Silverback]

Thanks for the above. I apologise for the delay, but have just managed to get back to it.

If you could find any photo's I would be 'over the moon'. I have had a singular lack of success in linking with the Ryton/Crookhill district.

TiA

Mick.

[John Morcombe]

This from his RND record card:-

b.30/6/1897 ; A Miner. ; Next-of-Kin & home address: Parents, Thomas & Jane, 9 High Row, Stargate, Ryton-on-Tyne.

I shall have a look for the photo.

[Silverback]

Thanks again.

Just to make a nuisance of myself, are you aware of a 'Casualty List 'for the 'Ancre' action of 13/11/1916. I have seen the war diary for 1RM. but only officers seem to be recorded there.

[Silverback]

?

[John Morcombe]

I started with an RND casualty list for the Ancre, which led to the whole RND. It is the only complete listing of RND at the Ancre. The CWGC still lag with one man (John Laurie, Hood Bn. 13/11/16) still not listed, but he will be very soon.

Can't find a photo of Arscott. Mick hardy from Ryton would know for sure.

[demgbr]

I started with an RND casualty list for the Ancre, which led to the whole RND. It is the only complete listing of RND at the Ancre. The CWGC still lag with one man (John Laurie, Hood Bn. 13/11/16) still not listed, but he will be very soon.

John,

I'm impressed with your effort in listing the above RND casualty list for the Ancre. Presumably 'casualty' means killed. I've decided rather late in life to look for my Father's service record. He enlisted at Portsmouth and fought with 2RMLI at the battle of the Ancre starting 13/11/16 where he was injured (bayonet wound). on recovery he was then transferred to the RMA where he spent the rest of the war. I am trying to find his service number but without success. His name (George Henry Meek) is not recognised. You appear to know how to access the RND records so any help as to where to start would be extremely welcome.

Dennis.

[Silverback]

I started with an RND casualty list for the Ancre, which led to the whole RND. It is the only complete listing of RND at the Ancre. The CWGC still lag with one man (John Laurie, Hood Bn. 13/11/16) still not listed, but he will be very soon.

Can't find a photo of Arscott. Mick hardy from Ryton would know for sure.

Thanks for all your help. I have heard from Mick Hardy this evening.If there is any way in which I may repay you,please tell me.

Regards.

Mick.

[John Morcombe]

Thanks for all your help. I have heard from Mick Hardy this evening.If there is any way in which I may repay you,please tell me.

Regards.

Mick.

Dear Mick, Cheers. Plug the RND wherever you go.

Dear Dennis, RMA/1757/S MEEK GH Enlisted 08/02/1916

Born RUARDEAN 18/05/1896

Sorry, but it would appear not formerly RMLI, nor at the Ancre (unless with the Howitzer Brigade). His service papers are at the FAAM & will reveal all. Also, his service sheet on film at Kew ADM/159/98. Basic details but well worth having. Delay at FAAM will make ADM/159 copy good for the interim.

HNY to all

John

[demgbr]

Dear John,

Thanks for the quick and helpful reply. Now I have his service number I shall get in touch with the FAAM and Kew and see what turns up.

Thanks again,

Dennis.

p.s. I have sent you a PM concerning the above.

D.M.