38392 RSM Robert Smith

jones_the_reme · 03-09-2009, 19:35

Could anyone please help with the locations in Egypt of the 2nd Garrison Battalion for the period 1916 - 1919.
Also I would like to find the circumstances of the award of the Meritorious Service Medal on the 17 Dec 1917 to CSM Robert Smith and why he was Mentioned in Dispatches on the 1 Mar 1917.

Also if anyone would like the details of RSM Robert Smith's full army service 1897 - 1919, please contact me at brianjones@rogers.com

Thanks,
Brian

**Bob Bacon** · 03-09-2009, 20:03

Welcome to the Forum!

2nd Garrison Battalion
Formed at Garswood Park (Wigan) on 21 October 1915. March 1916 to Egypt where it remained throughout the war.

This battalion sailed from Devonport on the 6th March and arrived at Alexandria on the 15 March 1916. The battalion went to Zagazig, and sent A Company to Tel el Kebir and D Company to Belbeis. On the 21st April the battalion was sent to Cairo.

They left Cairo on the 27th February 1917, for Alexandria, en route to Sollum Bay, which had been the centre of the Senussi trouble. Here they remained.

jones_the_reme · 03-09-2009, 21:45

Thanks Bob, that's great info

I know all about the Senussi tribe from my days in Libya 1961-63. Perhaps the 1917 Senussi trouble was where Robert got mentioned in dispatches and the reason he was awarded the Meritorious Service Record.

I have quite a lot of stuff on Robert Smith. Is there anyway I can send an attachment as a word file? It may be handy for the research archives?

**ap1** · 04-09-2009, 08:08

We have an area called "The Vault", located in the Research Folder which would be an ideal location. Once you load it up, let us know and we will get it authorised.

Thanks