Guest FrankB Posted 18 December , 2003 Share Posted 18 December , 2003 I originally posted this question in a conversation on a specific regimental diary but, on reflection, it applies on a much wider basis. I don't know when my grandfather enlisted but the inscription on the back of his 1914/15 Star was "Sjt. R. Bell" while the War Medal and Victory Medal rims showed it as "W.O.CL.2. R. Bell" (Warrant Office 2nd Class which, I gather from other threads in this forum, is the later designation for Company Sergeant Major). Would the War Diary show when he was promoted or is that sort of thing held elsewhere? Assuming he joined as a Private, I guess there would be at least four promotions in his career (Pte -> L/Cpl, L/Cpl -> Cpl, Cpl -> Sjt, Sjt -> CSM/WO2). Are these "low-level" promotions recorded or just designated in the field? Thanks, Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jonathan Saunders Posted 18 December , 2003 Share Posted 18 December , 2003 From my own personal experiences of War Diaries it is unlikely his promotion would be included therein, although these all differ and WD for same battalions differ over a period of time depending on the officer charged with writing them up. It is obviious some were a labour of love and others not!! Also regarding promotion during war time. It does not always follow that a Private has to become a L/Cpl before he is made a Cpl and in some instances Privates were promoted straight to Sergeant. I presume his service file did not survive at teh PRO/NA but if you have not searched for it then this would be yr best bet fir details concerning his promtions and dates. I am not very experienced with MICs but wonder if his rank differs on the Star to the BWM/WM that the promotions were recorded on that?? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
andyspiller Posted 18 December , 2003 Share Posted 18 December , 2003 Frank This is a transcript of part of the response I got from the MOD about one of mine Enlisted at London into the London Regiment Territorial Force ( as No. 425 ) and posted to 9th Battalion 28.04.1908 Embodied 05.08.1914 Appointed Lance Corporal 05.08.1914 Posted to 3/9th Battalion 15.06.1915 Posted to 1/9th Battalion 29.01.1916 Appointed Acting Corporal 09.02.1916 Reverted to Lance Corporal 15.03.1916 Promoted Corporal 16.03.1916 Posted to 56th Divisional School 21.03.1916 Allocated new number 394231 Unknown date Rejoined Unit 04.04.1916 Appointed Acting Lance Sergeant 26.05.1916 Appointed Lance Sergeant 01.07.1916 Promoted Sergeant 01.07.1916 Appointed Acting Company Sergeant Major 14.04.1917 Relinquished the appointment of Acting Company Sergeant Major 04.08.1917 Reported Missing 16.08.1917 Repatriated 27.12.1918 Attached to the Territorial Force Depot 27.12.1918 Disembodied 07.06.1919 Discharged on Demobilization 31.03.1920 So imho his service record would be the best bet Regards Andy Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest FrankB Posted 18 December , 2003 Share Posted 18 December , 2003 OK, thanks to you both. Frank Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Muerrisch Posted 18 December , 2003 Share Posted 18 December , 2003 my understanding is that name, number, unit AND RANK are at time of qualifying for the award. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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