104h Wellesley Rifles Indian Army

[asdarley]

Am looking into the history of Captain Frederick James Chadwick of the 104th Wellesley Rifles

KIA in the Battle of Shaiba Mesopotamia. April 13th 1915. His father notes he was mentioned in despatches 3 times. Does anyone know if there is a regimental diary , or history of the regiment available? I have looked in the London Gazette but can not find any reference to his death or the despatches.....so hoping the regiment kept records!

[Ron Clifton]

Hello edorc

The battalion War Diary for Aug 1914 to Oct 1915 is in the National Archives at Kew, in file WO95/5121. That for March to Sep 1918 is in WO95/5199 and for Oct to Dec 1918 in WO95/5181. In common with most of the units in 6th Indian (Poona) Division, there are no other diaries after Oct 1915 because of the siege of Kut-al-Amara, but you should find what you want in the first of the diaries. The comings and goings of officers, including woundings and bravery awards, are usually mentioned by name.

You may be able to get a copy online through the National Archives website, but do bear in mind that gallantry awards, including MiD, tend to take some time to come through.

Good luck!

Ron

[asdarley]

Ron

Thanks for the info. Will try my luck with Kew.

Thanks again

[bushfighter]

edorc

The Cross of Sacrifice Volume 1 confirms a MID & states that Frederick died of wounds.

Good Luck

Harry