Grandad - Starred.

Another trawl of the Herefordshire History website has revealed that Grandad was originally in a 'starred' occupation - basically, as a skilled agricultural worker (a wagoner in his case), he was initially exempt from being called-up.

This was to change with the introduction of conscription in 1916, and the removal of his 'starred' status in April 1916.

John Lee's Final Effects

Ancestry have now digitised the Register of British Soldiers' Final Effects (held at the National Army Museum) and I have found my Great-Uncle John's entry. His page has been updated accordingly.

Frederick Samuel Jones

I have posted up a new page today - that of my great-uncle Frederick Samuel Jones (my father's 'Uncle Fred')

I have very little information regarding Fred's military service, save a rather fine photo of him in uniform, but have managed to glean some biographical information from censuses, letters and migration documents.

I live in hope that one of his descendants will get in touch!

Cross referencing

Of the approximately 150 men who I believe to have transferred to the 9th Devonshire Regiment, only one service record survives. However it is still possible to view their entries on the medal rolls, and the smattering of Silver War Badge entries. Additionally, one among their number subsequently joined the RAF, and has some service details also available to view online.

Cross referencing this gives us a little more information, but also throws into question my assumption that Grandad was initially in the KSLI before being transferred to the Devonshires. I have factored all this into his entry.

Grandad - More Information Comes to Light!

Thanks to the newly launched Herefordshire History website, I have found some important information on my Grandad's military service which confirms the fact that he was conscripted no earlier than 1st September 1917.

I have also discovered where he was working at the time, and what his job was, and have edited his page (see the right hand panel) accordingly!

John Lee Price - his page updated

I have updated the page dedicated to my great uncle John Lee Price.

Thanks to the Government Probate office's website, I have obtained a copy of his will, which gives us more information on which regiment he was serving in during 1918.





I have also found mention of him in a newspaper article from 1924, which reveals that his wooden grave marker was among 90 that were brought to England and erected at Cheltenham Cemetery for the dedication ceremony of the Cross of Sacrifice.

In a way then, John finally returned home.

Alfred Hill and the Derby Scheme

A very small, but nonetheless interesting update. After trawling through old copies of the Hereford Mercury I have discovered that my great uncle Alfred Hill attested under the Derby Scheme, and is listed in the paper as such.