Researching my Grandad

[blackdog247]

I currently trying to research my grandad who I know joined the Worcestershire Regiment. I have just received his service records from the Army Personnel Centre but these appear to be just summary recordings with not much details. Can any one advise me on how to find out more information about him and his army days? Also I see the Worcestershire Regimental Archives has its own research section for a modest fee. Has anyone used this service??

Grandad's details: Benjamin Cawston 5242729

[scully]

Hi,

His army number would suggest he may have been a pre-war soldier.

The Worcestershire Regimental Archives is unlikely to have further details. However, they may hold enlistment rolls which could say which Battalion he served in. It may be worth a try anyway.

I checked the list of names I have for the 1st Battalion in May 1944 and he is not on that list.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

[blackdog247]

Thank you for the reply.

He re-enlisted twice during the period 1919 to 1944. I think he's army service number was from 1919 (? Im not sure how these work). He left the army in 1944 as he was unfit for what ever reason. I was going to check the Worcestershire Regiment website and match the time lines to his the places he was posted to in his service record to find which batt. he was in. Did soldiers stay in the same batt or did they move around?

Heather

[scully]

Hi Heather,

It was quite common for soldiers to be transferred to other battalions and even other Regiments.

Does his army record give dates as well as places he was posted? If so if you post the details here I can check for you.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

[blackdog247]

His postings were:

Home 3/5/20 to 30/8/20
Germany 31/8/20 to 8/4/22
Home 9/4/22 to 12/1/26
Germany 13/1/26 to 15/12/27
Home 16/12/27 to 30/1/28
India 31/1/28 to 9/11/29
China 10/11/29 to 5/1/31
Malta 6/1/31 to 5/2/34
Home 6/2/34 to 2/5/38

[blackdog247]

Further to my last post:

He re-enlisted in 4/5/39 and was posted at home.

I have some re-engagement papers dated 8/5/1931 in Malta signed by a G Weston corporal and the commanding officier was a lieutenant colonel commanding the 2nd bn of the worcestershire regiment.

Hope this helps.

[scully]

Hi Heather,

Below is what I have found:

Home 3/5/20 to 30/8/20 -
Germany 31/8/20 to 8/4/22 - ?
Home 9/4/22 to 12/1/26 - 2nd Battalion
Germany 13/1/26 to 15/12/27 - 2nd Battalion
Home 16/12/27 to 30/1/28 - Depot
India 31/1/28 to 9/11/29 - 1st Battalion
China 10/11/29 to 5/1/31 - 1st Battalion
Malta 6/1/31 to 5/2/34 - 2nd Battalion
Home 6/2/34 to 2/5/38 - 1st Battalion

Lieut.-Colonel Bowcher Campbell Senhouse Clarke was commanding the 2nd Battalion in 1931.

Regards,

Louis (webmaster)

[blackdog247]

Thanks for that information

I never would never have got the L.Colonel's name from his signature lol

[Seddon]

Please contact me on firewall77777@yahoo.co.uk I have some information you may be interested in