Talk held after the branch AGM - details below of the AGM.
David started by saying that he is not a Military Expert, but hoped his talk may help a little those members who are researching Great War ancestors. He went on to outline the difficulty of finding records for those who were actively involved in the first world war. This was due to enemy action on 7th September 1940 when the Army Records Office at Walworth South London was bombed. Few records survived and are popularly known as the burnt documents. (TNA ref. WO363). Fires resulting from the raid having caused devastation to over 5 million Officers and men’s service records. Amongst other documents destroyed were: casualty returns, Intelligence records, Munitions Factory Rolls, indexes to Nurses, PoWs, honours and awards etc. The Pension and unburnt records are in (TNA ref. WO364) Royal Navy Register of Seaman's Services 1853-1928 (TNA ref. ADM 188)
Lacking Army records how can you find out about your man? You might consider ephemera passed down in your family. David showed an assorted collection of items you could use to further research. But first did your ancestor actively serve in the theatre of war? Badges, such as ‘on war service’ were used to show the community that although men were not in uniform, those wearing the medal were not trying to avoid joining up but were exempt due to their occupation.
The Silver War Badge W0329 (available on Ancestry) verified that the person had been wounded in the service of their King and Country and were no longer suitable for active service. As well as physical wounds this covered those suffering from what we know today as post-traumatic stress but was then called shell shock. The Roll give name rank, number, age, unit, date of enlistment and discharge, Badge number, and whether they served overseas. The Deadman’s penny or Next of Kin Memorial Plaque had the name of the deceased inscribed and as its name implies was sent to his closest relatives.
Look for Medal Index Cards (WO 372) that may have been won by your ancestor. The majority of men and women who served in WWI would have received Pip, Squeak and Wilfred, the irreverent sobriquet for WWI British Campaign medals. They usually carry the name, rank and service number around the rim.
There was even a medal for the British Empire Union and the Anti German Union, which meant that those damaging German businesses (e.g., a brick thrown through a shop window) would not be arrested for the offence!
Other items David mentioned were: Newspaper cuttings, Memorial Cards, Marriage Certificates, etc. He added that photographs, of uniforms and insignias are best shown to Military experts for clarification.
The UK government has a separate area for deceased Soldiers’ Wills. Before lockdown Wills would have set you back £10 per Will but they went down to £1.50 in 2020 and at the time of the talk were still at the lower price. David advised members to get downloading whilst the offer was still on https://www.gov.uk/probate-search
The National Archives has 44 guides to help you research the First World War
Other Useful Websites:
The National Archives www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Ancestry www.ancestry.co.uk
Find My Past www.findmypast.co.uk
The Long Long Trail www.longlongtrail.co.uk
The Great War Forum www.greatwarforum.org
The London Gazette www.thegazette.co.uk
The War Graves Photographic Project www.twgpp.org
Commonwealth War Graves Commission www.cwgc.org
Branch AGM: Held via Zoom on 9th April 2021 before the talk above. The branch had not held an AGM since April 2019 due to COVID restrictions. The branch accounts for the two year period, April 2019 to March 2021, were accepted. All Branch Committee members stood again for re-election and were confirmed for the coming year; 2021/2022. Branch Chairman David Wood thanked the branch committee for keeping the branch ticking over in 2020 during the COVID lockdown.
Resumption of face-to-face meetings was discussed and subject to government directives, the July Deal Walk should be fine to go ahead as it will be held outdoors. The Branch still plans to go to The Somme but not until 16th June 2022. Peter McCourt has kindly offered to come out of retirement to lead us.
Report by Tricia Baxter