2nd Battalion Drafts (Gheluvelt Roll in mind)

[peter]

Thanks for looking David.

Regards

Peter

[Glyde]

Peter,
L/Cpl Richard Arnold, 8268, 2nd Battalion.
Went to France, 12 August, 1914. Reported missing May, 1915, confirmed casualty in July 1915. On both occasions listed as Pte in 2nd Battalion.
When he was reported wounded in August, 1917, he's listed as aged 34 yrs and 13 yrs service and resided in Birmingham. I assume that means he enlisted around 1904, which ties in with his number and he remained in the Worcester's throughout.
Problem not on the 1911 Census with 2nd Battalion, nor for that matter can I find him on the 1st, 3rd or 4th 1901 Census.
Do you know if he was at Gheluvelt?
To date I haven't found any reference to Richard.
Any thoughts would be appreciated.
Regards,
David

[peter]

David.

Like yourself I couldn't find any information for Richard other than his medal details (also his M.M. LG 17.6.19 1st Bn.) His service number would suggest early 1904 but this is not always the case for examble Sgt 8267 F. J. Burton enlisted 19.10.1908 and Pte 8266 W. Nicholls enlisted same date (service papers confirm). However with the details from your posting I did some more searching and using the years 1880 - 1885 for a birth date for a Richard Arnold (Birmingham) nothing (this assuming his age 34 in 1917 is correct) but a Lewis Richard Arnold b. 1885 Aston did show and searching this date and name got 1901, 1911 and 1939 details and also a marriage and death information. Can you give me more details regards missing, wounded reports (newspaper and dates etc) or any other information? Need to do a bit more searching. Regards Gheluvelt I don't have enough information on him (yet) to say YES or NO.
Are you on Ancestry?

Regards

Peter

[Glyde]

Peter,

That was quick!
Yes I am on Ancestry, FindmyPast and ForceswarRecords.
I came across this man but rejected him because when my man was wounded in 1917 he had "13 years service" so assumed he would be on a Military Census?
Was that an incorrect assumption?

Regards,

David

[peter]

David,
Enlisted February 1904 so at the time of 1911 census a reservist and on the outbreak of war recalled to the colours. Half the 2nd Bn. that sailed to France 12th August 14 were reservists (this also applies to the BEF as a whole). Your man is Lewis Richard Arnold, served as Richard Arnold (also married under this name). With the wounded (missing) details you have (1915 and I have not found any for 1914) I would say he was with 2nd Bn. at the time of Gheluvelt (but a charger?). If he enlisted in the Militia (prior to regular service) his papers may be available, worth looking.

Regards

Peter

[Glyde]

Peter,

Thank you for that.
On Findmypast I found a Richard Arnold 7068, attested 27 July, 1903 served until 21 February, 1904 in 5th Battalion, Worcestershire Militia.
Father is Richard address unknown (Louis in1891 Census is my man's father), but sister is Maude at 17, Red Lane, Foleshill. In 1891 Census a Maud lived a brother Lewis at 80, Red House Road, Foleshill so could be same man. So without further records only a maybe.
Appreciate your help as always.
Best wishes,
David

[peter]

David,

The pieces fit for me and I am sure Lewis Richard Arnold is Pte. 8268 R. Arnold (well at present anyway). You may be interested to know that on Saturday 18th June a commemoration of the naming and re-opening of Gheluvelt Park to mark its 100th anniversary wil be taking place. A branch of the WFA will have a stall at the event.

Regards

Peter

[Glyde]

Peter,
Birmingham History Forum members have convinced me that he was also 7068 who joined the 5th Militia in 1903.
Unfortunately I will be in France on the 18 June. Hope the weather is kind for the event.
All the best,
David

[John(txic)]

To save me looking thruogh 17 pages....

Is the List available anywhere?



Cheers,


John

[Trick]

On the home page of this site.

[Trick]

Peter.
I have winging my way a 14 trio and soldiers small book to 12814 L/CPL A G Ball 2/worc (on star) & 12814 A/CPL A G Ball Worc R (on pair). He went to France 11/08/14 but does not appear on the list. There was no clasp awarded. What do you think about him being there?

Regards, Rich. (Still looking for Chantler medals)

[peter]

Rich

Have fair amount of information on Alfred. What do you know about him?

Regards
Peter

[Trick]

Hi Peter.

Only that he enlisted 1912. There is no information in his small book.

Rich.

[peter]

Hi Rich,

Kidderminster Shuttle 26th Dec. 1914,

LETTERS FROM THE FEONT

L/Cpl Albert Ball. 'B' Company 2nd Worcs., son of Mrs. E. Ball 33 Peel-Street.... (letter dated 16th Dec).

I am alive and well. Sorry I have beenso long in writing.......
.....I shall never forget the longest day I live the famous charge we made. I think all our fellows went made that day, for they did not seem to have any fear of the German shells. It is a big honour to be mentioned so prominently in Sir John French's dispatches.

I think from the above (small section of his letter) you can say he was at Gheluvelt and a charger. Note that name in error(Albert) should have read Alfred. Albert was a younger brother. He had 9 other siblings (that I can confirm) and at least 3 of his brothers also served with the colours, one Thomas was awared the M.M.

Alfred b. 1893
Worked in the Carpet Industry (not surprising living in Kidderminster)
Enlisted (as you already know) January 1912
Married 1922 (wife died 1923) re-married 1925 (living at 26 Peel-Street after marriage)
Died 1967

1891, 1901, 1911 census records and 1939 Register all on Ancetry will confirm. Found record of wounds/sickness found.

Regards

Peter

[peter]

Rich.

For some reason the Street name is showing as Fruit Street but should read PEEL-STREET (as in PEEL-ing)

Peter