Military help...collieries and a few other bits and pieces!

[Just Mandy]

Am ever so warily poking my toe back into my research! My brother pointed out to me we didn't exactly know our grandad's profession!

A few questions all connected:

He was born in Nov 1901. In "those days" were they doing national service and would this have been before age 16?

How can you tell beyond doubt that a record on the National Archives is yours or not - what is the qualifying factor?

The National Archives | DocumentsOnline | Image Details

If this is him, he would have been 14 at the onset of the term of service.

Also - is there anywhere that lists colliery workers? We know he worked at Langley Colliery but think he was a white collar man, not a miner.

I feel quite scared at dipping my toe in like this again!

Thanks

[Orangeblossom]

Do you know if your guy was injured? The one you have linked to has an SWB (Silver War Badge) on his card (viewed via Ancestry) which means he was injured and could no longer serve.


There is a service record for a George c1900, living in Manchester. Next of Kin is John Fogg, Father.

[Just Mandy]

Oh that is interesting Tracy - didn't know that!

I don't know - but I can certainly find out. I wonder if that would be why he went into a white collar job - well, he would have had to be clever too - but I know what a smart alec my dad was and it was likely to run in the family!

[Just Mandy]

By the way - how do you know about the SWB? Where does it say that??

[Orangeblossom]

My GGrandfather was awarded one for shellshock, amongst other things! He was never the same after he returned (well, I'm guessing after what happened in the family lol)

I have access to the military records on Ancestry, which includes the medal card index.

[Just Mandy]

SO what is different on the medal card index to what I can see?

And would he really have been in the army from 14??

[Orangeblossom]

There's no difference, except you have to pay to download it from the NA, where it's included in the subscription on Ancestry. Oh, they're in colour too

I don't think he would be in the army at 14, but you never know. Some lied about their ages to get in.

[Just Mandy]

SO I could do it from Ancestry then?? Thanking you

Whizzes off....

If anyone can answer the other questions that would be great too

[Just Mandy]

Oh I say - that's good! How exciting - need to find relevant records mind!

[Night Owl]

This gives details of WW1 conscription

Enlistment into the British Army in 1914-1918

Basically enlistment was voluntary at the outset. On 27th January 1916 conscription was introduced for single men aged between 18 and 41. Married men were conscripted from May 1916.

In theory your grandad was too young for conscription

[Just Mandy]

Thanks Jackie - having gone on the documents on Ancestry, I can see now that the one isn't mine - but have looked at the documents for my great uncle and whilst tricky to read - they are amazing!