I'm researching aspects of the Beard family as they intertwine around the Duffield & Dobell families (the main thrust of some research I'm doing on behalf of an elderly gentleman who can't get his head round the new technology).
Currently I'm looking at the career of 2nd Lt. F G V Beard who is mentioned in the Regiment website as being part of the 9th Battalion when they left for Gallipoli on 20th June 1915. The next mention I can find for him is a London Gazette entry dated 31 March 1916 where he is promoted from temporary 2nd Lt. to temporary Lt. with effect from January 20th 1916. He then turns up with the 4th Battalion as they leave Alexandria for France on March 5th 1916.
He was killed by a sniper on 4th July 1916 during the withdrawal of the 4th Bn after the Battle of Albert.
His Medal Record Index Card shows him as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Worcesters when he received his 15 Star and as a Lieutenant when he received his British & Victory Medals.
However the MRIC also shows him as a Corporal in the Royal Fusiliers.
There are Remarks: No Rank Service O/Seas (which presumably refers to why he didn't qualify for the 14 Star) and Dis to Comm 23.11.14 (which I take to mean that he was discharged from the R. Fus on taking up the commission in the Worcesters).
Leaving aside the application for the medals being made in 1923, 7 years after his death (presumably by a relative) I am somewhat stumped by a few things. Firstly I can find no records regarding his time in the R.Fus or of his switch to the Worcesters. Secondly I can find no records of his temporary ranks being made permanent. Thirdly, and probably most importantly, why was he moved from the 9th to the 4th whilst in Gallipoli? And finally (for the time being ) why is he shown as being in the 9th on the memorial at Thiepval when he was serving in the 4th, the 9th still being in Gallipoli?
Thanks to anyone who can unravel any of this.