6048 D Roberts

[benneo137]

I've just joined this forum after finding a photo of my Great Grandfather Dan Roberts. A cousin showed me a medal with " 6048 D Roberts A / C Sjt RW Fus" engraved on it. I'm trying to research his military history, as I also found a link on Ancestry which shows he was also in the Labour Corps, and was in the Balkans. I have no idea where to look next. Any help would be much appreciated. I've tried to add the photo but it's made a fool of me again!!

[LarsA]

He was in the 1/5th RWF, which landed at Suvla (Gallipoli) on 9/8 1915. The reference 2b (Balkans) means Gallipoli. At some later time he was transferred to the Labour Corps with the number 362551.

No pension or service record seems to have survived for him.


ATB,

Lars

[LarsA]

On reflection his number seems a bit high for a territorial in the 1/5th, but the medal rolls are clear on the battalion. Could he be a transferred regular? Perhaps other members could comment on the number?

also, there is an enlistment for a 50 year old Dan Roberts in 1922, number 4183721. He was a chemical worker at the time, married with four children, and his service number from the LC is cited. It also says he was a Sjt, character Good.

Lars

[benneo137]

Thanks for the info Lars. Dan Roberts d.o.b. was 17 Sep 1871 and was a Chemical Labourer in the 1911 census. https://rwf-forum.co.uk/vBulletin/attachment.php?attachmentid=6990&stc=1The photo is interesting.

[LarsA]

His occupation in 1922 was also a chemical worker. On the uniforms right forearm he wears three chevrons, representing three years service overseas. The medal ribbon will also be a clue. This puts the date after december 1917, possibly the medal ribbon is the 14-15 star, but it is difficult to say for sure.

As he reenlisted it is possible his service papers is still with the MOD.

ATB,

Lars

[benneo137]

Thanks for your help Lars

[benneo137]

When would he have joined up with a number of 6048? Sorry, Ive no idea what the difference in numbers between regular and territorial!

[Baconwallah]

Assuming that he was a Regular posted to 1/5 RWF, as Lars already suggested, the number 6048 was issued on 21/07/1899.

The highest number for a Gallipoli casualty of 1/5 RWF was 3089.

Posting of Regular NCOs to Territorial battalions (as instructors) was not unusual.

John

[benneo137]

Thanks for the help John.

[LarsA]

A further search shows he was again dischargedon 19/2/1923, reason is given as T/E. Termination of engagement?

ATB

Lars

[Baconwallah]

A further search shows he was again dischargedon 19/2/1923, reason is given as T/E. Termination of engagement?

ATB

Lars

Termination of engagement, Lars. Commonly known as 'time expired."

John

[Clive Hughes]

If I hadn't read the rest of the material, I'd have said the medal he is wearing is the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal (1908-21), dark green with central yellow stripe OR the Special Reserve Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (1908-30), dark blue with central pale blue stripe.

Clive

[benneo137]

I've found a reference to "362551 A/WO C12 D Roberts, Labour Corps" on the WW1 service Medal and awards Roll. Anyone know what the C12 stands for?

[LarsA]

Warrant Officer Class 2.

ATB,

Lars

[benneo137]

Thanks Lars. I couldn't see past C twelve, as opposed to CL 2. Time for a break maybe!!!

[benneo137]

Back again! Found a newspaper story dated Feb 1902 regarding the " Annual prize giving for E company of the 2nd V.B.R.W.F. ......A special prize was awarded to the cook, Private Dan Roberts of Mount Street." It ties in with my great grandfather, who was on the 1901 census as living in Mount Street. Where would be the best starting point to find out more about E company?

[welchboy]

I suggest a starting point may be the Wrexham Borough Museum, they have a research section and hold a considerable amount of archives on the R.W.F.
However, I would advise that you contact them before a visit order to discuss the information that you require.

Address : is Regent Street, Wrexham LL11 RB : Telephone 01978 297460