RE Numbering

[CliffF]

I'm sure that this will have been discussed before, but I was so successful with my last query, I thought I would give it another go.

My Gt Grandfather, Jesse William George Funnell, joined the Royal Sussex Regiment and was given the number 2679. I assume that it was SD2679, with suggests 13th Bn (3rd South Downs). There is a gap for that in the Medal Roll , which supports that theory. He subsequently transferred to the Royal Engineers, number 36618, by 1915 [based on his occupation as Sapper on a daughter's birth certificate] before going overseas [based on his MIC that gives little info], during 1916 at earliest [no Star].

He had originally joined the Life Guards in 1900, but was "discharged for misconducts" in 1901. I would love to know what these were, but the Household Cavalry Museum think his records were transferred to his later regiments when he rejoined. Unfortunately, I can't find his records at PRO! On joining the Life Guards his occupation was given as Brickmaker.

My questions are as follows:

1. Would his RE number give any clue to anything about his military service?

2. Would an occupation of "brickmaker" be a reason for his transfer to the RE?

I have a photo of him in RE uniform, but it gives no further clues. Although he survived the war, he died in 1922 of TB, believed to have first developed/caught during his war service.

[Tunneller]

There are some numbering blocks that appertain to RE units. For example there are regular number blocks for Tunnellers and Special Company RE. Have a look on soldiers died and see if there are similar numbers to the one you are searching for, it may give you a clue.

Jim