Seeking Grandad

**gerald hartley** · 09-09-2018, 16:57

Not a new member, but not been active. Have visited the museum.
I'm trying to find out more about my grandfather who was a career soldier in the ranks.
Unfortunately he was a Jones ('nuff said).
My mother was born in 1913, when the family were at Wrexham barracks.
His first name was Edward and I know he served in India and in the 8 nation campaign in China against the Boxers.
I have pictures of him in India showing insignia up to the rank of Colour Sergeant.
I think he served beyond his contractual term due to WW1, which he survived.
He had a brother called Edwin, who was also a WO and may have been killed in 1918.
I would be grateful if anyone can direct me as to how to proceed for more info.
Thanks

**Baconwallah** · 09-09-2018, 20:45

Bearing in mind that the China Medal Roll only gives the names of half the 2nd Bn - the other half arrived too late to qualify - I think he may well have been Sgt E Jones 3866. He has no record of overseas service in the Great War.

John

**Hywyn** · 16-09-2018, 15:03

Looks like you might have found him John.

There are records on FindMyPast for 3866 Edward Jones, RWF. Enlisted aged 19yrs 9 2 1893. Discharged termination of second period of engagement as Colour Sgt 3 2 1914 to 31 Victoria Road, Aston, B'ham.
Served Malta, Crete, Egypt, China, India.
Married Alice Giles 11 12 1907 at ????? Wood, Worcester. Daughter Gwyneth born Wrexham 2 9 1912. (siblings Olwyn 24 2 1909 and Alice 3 8 1910, both born Wrexham)

At that Aston address in the 1918 Absent Voters list is Edward Jones, Lt & Quarter Master, att 16th RWF, 70th Labour Corps.
He is most likely to be the one in the Medal Index Cards/Rolls (with a 1921 address of 26 Harborne Lane, Selly Oak, B'ham) who went to France 25 9 1917 with 10th Bn as QMS 15577, he transfers to Cheshire Regt RSM 32316 and is commissioned 4 4 1917 Lt & QM, Labour Corps.

I don't know if he features in the RWF Officers biographies.

(Also in the Absent Voters at the Aston address is Ernest Greatrex 83772 RFA)

**Baconwallah** · 16-09-2018, 20:24

Ah, so he did see overseas service but with the Cheshires. No wonder I couldn't find him.

No mention in the RWF Officers Biographies.

John

**Hywyn** · 16-09-2018, 20:55

Originally Posted by Baconwallah

Ah, so he did see overseas service but with the Cheshires. No wonder I couldn't find him.

No mention in the RWF Officers Biographies.

John

He served with RWF overseas in WW1 as QMS 15577.He didn't retain his old number even though he'd only been out about 6 to 7 months. Went over with 10th Bn. AAt some stage went to the Cheshires then commissioned to Labour Corps on 4 4 1917. I can spot his 1915 Star Roll but having problems spotting his Pair Rolls

**Baconwallah** · 16-09-2018, 21:10

My error, Hywyn, I obviously was not paying attention.

John

**gerald hartley** · 15-10-2018, 17:17

Due to my inexperience with the site, I have only just become aware of these responses for which I am extremely grateful. I will certainly make a donation.
His WW1 career seems most unusual. A lieutenant & QM seems a most unusual rank. I guess they were keen to re-engage men of experience.
Besides the data on grandad, I now know my mum was born in 1912 not 1913!
Independently, I have found out that Edwin was married to his wife Alice's sister and not his brother.
The Jones surname was a coincidence. He died of natural causes aged 46 shortly after his son was killed at Ypres with the Gloucesters aged 17.
Thanks again for your research.