6arn3y Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Hi there, My family and I are currently trying to research one of our ancestors who if information is correct was killed in the First World War. Unfortunately, we have no idea about his rank or his regiment but we do have details about his name, DOB, where he was born, etc. Is it still possible to trace him? And if so how? Many thanks for any help which you are able to provide. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveMurphy Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 If you post all the details you know, we will certainly give it a crack! Cheers, Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6arn3y Posted 3 November , 2007 Author Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Information we have is ... Name at Birth: Alfred Gorton AKA : Alfred Gorton Spencer DOB : 01/10/1886 Born : Habergham Eaves, Burnley, Lancashire Thanks for the quick reply and your kind offer of help. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procat Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 There is this possibility from the Soldiers Died Great War CD: Alfred Spencer, Private, 28866 East Lancashire Regiment, 11th Battalion Born Burnley Lancashire, Enlisted Burnley Lancashire, Residence Burnley Died 14 May 1918, Died of Wounds, Theatre of War Home Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John_Hartley Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Is it still possible to trace him? And if so how? Yes, absolutely. Have you read the "BE SURE TO READ THIS" paragraph at the top of this page? John Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procat Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Are you sure about the YOB? The CWGC records the soldier I found as being 22 years of age whereas yours would be 32. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6arn3y Posted 3 November , 2007 Author Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Hi again, Yes, we're certain about his date of birth. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procat Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Then it appears the one I found is incorrect. Free BMD appears to support the age on the CWGC with: Deaths June 1918 Spencer Alfred Age 22 W Derby 8b 347. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greyhound Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Could be an error in CWGC database. What about the UK burial, any clue there? It's a chapel graveyard with only 2 CWGC burials. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky53 Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 There is an Alfred G Spencer in 1891 & 1901 Censuses who ties in with your man's date & place of birth. He was living in Yorkshire in 1901 so possibly joined a Yorkshire Regt. There is this chap:- Name: SPENCER, ALFRED Initials: A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) Unit Text: 10th Bn. Date of Death: 20/09/1917 Service No: 22809 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Panel 82 to 85 and 162A. Memorial: TYNE COT MEMORIAL Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6arn3y Posted 3 November , 2007 Author Share Posted 3 November , 2007 We've tracked him on the same censuses, we also know that by 1909 he'd moved back to Burnley. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sparky53 Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 You might have to search via Find My Past Website:- http://www.findmypast.com/BirthsMarriagesDeaths.jsp It has Soldiers Who Died in the Great War though many members here have the CD so will hopefully help. Deaths - British overseas 1761-1994 Index might help narrow down your man as may give his full name Jane Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procat Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Hi, The one Jane found is recorded in SDGW as: Alfred Spencer, Private, 22809 Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) Born Hull, Enlisted Keighley, Yorks, Residence Barnoldswick, Yorks Died 20 September 1917, Died of wounds, France & Flanders. Based on information provided by the OP it would appear unlikely. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will O'Brien Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 What about the Private A Gorton 23582 Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regt who is buried in Burnley Cemetery. Date of Death is 20/7/1920 (which may explain probs in finding him on Soldiers Died) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
apwright Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Could this be him? Buried in Burnley! Name: GORTON Initials: A Nationality: United Kingdom Rank: Private Regiment/Service: King's Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment) Unit Text: 1st Bn. Date of Death: 20/07/1920 Service No: 23582 Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead Grave/Memorial Reference: Screen Wall. A. 18089. Cemetery: BURNLEY CEMETERY Adrian EDIT: @ Will - SNAP!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will O'Brien Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 What about the Private A Gorton 23582 Kings Own Royal Lancaster Regt who is buried in Burnley Cemetery. Date of Death is 20/7/1920 (which may explain probs in finding him on Soldiers Died) Forget my post - that A Gorton is named as Alexander on the Medal Roll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will O'Brien Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 Noted the AKA Alfred Gorton Spencer - Is it the suggestion that he served under the name Spencer? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Procat Posted 3 November , 2007 Share Posted 3 November , 2007 I get the impression he could have served under either Will. Doug Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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