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Robert b Finch

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 5:03 pm
by mand1
I'm trying to find out any information about my Great grandfather.
His name is Robert Blake Finch from Dudley and I think he served with the 1st Worcestershire regement in the battle of Somme. He survived the war but was Blinded and badly deformed in the face by shrapnel
I would love to find his military record but am having problems searching for it.

Thanks
Amanda

PostPosted: Mon Jul 27, 2009 9:05 pm
by allanp
Hi Amanda

I have found a reference to an R. Finch in the Worcester Herald. I cannot be sure that this is you man.

19th August 1916 edition
15463 Pte R. Finch - Tipton - Wounded.

Do you have Roberts Regimental number?

You could try a search on Ancestry for this chap, you may be lucky and find his service record with his home address etc. which would confirm or reject him. Good hunting

Regards Allan

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 12:34 am
by Mike Jones
Hello Amanda,
with Allan Parry's help in giving me the lead to your Relative's number, I have found Pte Robert Finch 15463. He was indeed wounded in the battle of the Somme. Shrapnel wound in the right cheek. He was born in Dudley about 1893, father was Daniel and mother Alice.
You will find his records in the Ancestry Pension Records. Very interesting reading. To get at them just put Robert Finch in the search box. Nothing else anywhere. Up will come six Robert Finch's, only one was born in Dudley. Happy researching.
Regards Mike

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 8:23 pm
by mand1
Dear Mike & Allan

This is wonderful news. I was so excited to read your reply, I really did not think I would get anywhere with this. I'm about to follow up the leads you have given me.
My Grandfather (Robert's son) is still alive and has only let me know today that he may possibly have a few medals in the house somewhere.
We are now planning a trip over to the museum to help bring the past alive for my 10 year old son.

Many Thanks
Amanda

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 8:58 pm
by mand1
Hi again Mike

Can I only get the Ancestry Pension Records from content.ancestry.co.uk and by paying for them ?

It all seem so frustrating. I have already paid for search credits on the census records and "Find my past .com". These both link to the national archives so it seems odd that I can't use these credits to buy the documents I wanted.

Thanks again
Amanda

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 9:11 pm
by mand1
Dear Allan

Please could you tell me how you found the article in the Herald ? I have tried a google search but have not come up with anything.

Many Thanks
Amanda

PostPosted: Tue Jul 28, 2009 10:46 pm
by allanp
Hi Amanda

Unfortunatly the Worcester Herald is not avaiable on the internet, it is on microfich at the History Centre in Worcester. Contact me on my email and I will see what I can find for you.

Regards Allan

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 5:56 am
by Mike Jones
Hi Amanda,
I know Allan will be the same as me, we are happy our long hours of research helps others build a picture of a soldiers time in the Great War Army. We like to help keep their memory alive, especially as the last of them has now died. God rest Harry Patch.
There are several pages in Robert's pension records, basically they are his service records, plus a bit about his wound. The first page was filled in by Robert when he enlisted on 2nd September 1914 and signed by him. He declared himself to be 21 years and 5 days old. It includes a bit when he was a naughty soldier and got 10 days Field Punishment No. 2 ! Ancestry is a subscription only website. There are various ways to get the information you want. Ancestry do a 2 week free trial. It is a genuine offer and if you cancel after 13 days , you will not be charged. You can only do this once of course. Almost all local libraries will give you free access to Ancestry. Also someone may be able to PlumPudding the pages you want and print them out.
Regards Mike

PostPosted: Wed Jul 29, 2009 7:24 pm
by mand1
Hi Mike

Once again, thank you for all your help.

I saw the free trial but wasn't sure if it was genuine or if I would still get charged. I will give it a go now.
Also found out that the Worcester research centre gives free use of the site.
The little snip-bit you have given me look so interesting


I only have the faintest memories of Robert as he died when I was young and he had spent the remainder of his years at St Dunstan’s in Brighton.

As I was so young, I found him a little scary due to his facial deformities, and never spoke to him. It also seems, that our very small family never spoke about the war, for fear of upsetting him. This all makes me feel sad and I wish I could have that time again to get to know him.


I feel obliged to Robert to make sure future generations remember the sacrifice my grandfather made.

I will let you and Allan know how I get on and keep you posted on any medals that my Grandad thinks he may have in his house somewhere !

Thank you
Amanda