5886 RWF Alfred Rowley

Hi all

just joined the forum and hope to get some good information on my great Grandad.

He joined the RWF in 1898 at the age of 15 as a musician. I may be one of the lucky ones where is record was available even though the information is limited.

He died 8/8/1915 at Gallipoli.

I have found it interesting to read his postings, promotions, hospital visits in Hongkong, India and even Dublin. Even charged for "neglect of duties while orderly sergeant". (Even I had chankers while I was in the RAF). He was up and down the ranks, paid or unpaid.

He was transferred to the Lancashire Fusiliers in 1912 and reached the rank of Coy Sgt Major.

My question is why was he transferred, was it a normal posting?

What was he doing in India/Hongkong?

Can I get records of RWF movements up to his posting in 1912

I have attached a copy of his service record. There are some areas I would like clarification on such as the column headed Battn or Depot as I am not sure what they are referring to.

Appreciate any help.

many thanks

Colin

Some answers, Colin:

What was he doing in India/Hongkong?
He served with the 2nd Battalion RWF, and that battalion was posted there at the time.

Can I get records of RWF movements up to his posting in 1912
Yes, you can. Check the second volume of the Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, available from the Museum. You local library should be able to lend you a copy too.

the column headed Battn or Depot
shows just that. The first column shows the Regiment, the second one the Bn or, as the case might be, a 'D' for 'Depot. If a man was promoted while serving with the 2nd Bn RWF, the first column would read 'RWF", the second '2nd'. If he was posted back to the Regimental Depot (while for example in hospital in the UK, or prior to his discharge) the second column would read 'D".

why was he transferred, was it a normal posting?
No idea, really. Pre-war most changes of the sort seem to have been at the request of the soldier himself, but lacking any further information it's hard to say. If the transfer had been the result of "the demands of the service" I'd have expected a note giving the regulation responsible for the transfer, such as "According to Army Act no xxx/xx etc". In this case he was perhaps transferred to 1/7 Lancs Fus (a Territorial battalion) as an experienced Regular soldier, a "stiffener". His new battalion must have been in urgent need of a good Sergeant/CSM. The service record, by the way, says "posted", not "transferred", in other words he remained a Royal Welchman while serving with the Lancs Fus. This surely indicates that he was sent to the LF to fill a gap.

Hope this helps.

John

Hi John

many thanks for you reply. It has filled in some blanks and is starting to create a picture of him in the RWF.


Best Regards

colin

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Baconwallah

Some answers, Colin:

What was he doing in India/Hongkong?
He served with the 2nd Battalion RWF, and that battalion was posted there at the time.

Can I get records of RWF movements up to his posting in 1912
Yes, you can. Check the second volume of the Regimental Records of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, available from the Museum. You local library should be able to lend you a copy too.

the column headed Battn or Depot
shows just that. The first column shows the Regiment, the second one the Bn or, as the case might be, a 'D' for 'Depot. If a man was promoted while serving with the 2nd Bn RWF, the first column would read 'RWF", the second '2nd'. If he was posted back to the Regimental Depot (while for example in hospital in the UK, or prior to his discharge) the second column would read 'D".

why was he transferred, was it a normal posting?
No idea, really. Pre-war most changes of the sort seem to have been at the request of the soldier himself, but lacking any further information it's hard to say. If the transfer had been the result of "the demands of the service" I'd have expected a note giving the regulation responsible for the transfer, such as "According to Army Act no xxx/xx etc". In this case he was perhaps transferred to 1/7 Lancs Fus (a Territorial battalion) as an experienced Regular soldier, a "stiffener". His new battalion must have been in urgent need of a good Sergeant/CSM. The service record, by the way, says "posted", not "transferred", in other words he remained a Royal Welchman while serving with the Lancs Fus. This surely indicates that he was sent to the LF to fill a gap.

Hope this helps.

John

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