Tracing Army career Private John Krelle WW1

[juliakerr2003@yahoo.co.uk]

Hello There, I am sure this is a frequetly asked question. I know that my Grandfather (Private John Krelle) was in the Royal Welch Fusiliers during 1914-1920. I have a copy of his medal card, I know that he was injured and ended up in a hospital in Belgium losing a lung after a gas attack. I would love to find out which company he was with? which battle (s) he was involved with and of course which medals he recieved (should be easy as I have the medal card, but I don't understand it) This started of when my son (13) was invited to a school trip to Somme and they were asked to find out if any of their relations fought during WW1. I'm also intrigued why a lad from East London would end up in The Royal Welch. My Grandfather died quite young (lung cancer) and he never really spoke about this period of time to any of his children. We know one of my aunts was named after a French nurse who my Grandfather said saved his life with her nursing. Well if any one is a wake after all that and can help or offer advice my son and I would be really grateful.
Thank you Julia Kerr

[Aled Roberts]

Hi Julie

I would suspect that he served with the 15th Bn - this was known as the 15th (London Welsh) Bn RWF. They were recruited in London (from the 20th October 1914) and hence the name.

In November 1914 they were attached to 128th Brigade, 43rd Division. On the 28 April 1915 the formation became the 113th Brigade, 38th (Welsh) Division where they remained until disbanded on the 27th February 1918.

38th Division battles (http://www.warpath.orbat.com/divs/38_div.htm)

If I was a betting man I would say he embarked for France in early December 1915 and is entitled to a 1914-15 Star, British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal. Are you able to post a picture of the MIC to see what other clues it may hold.

Richard