2 replies to this topic

[gunnersdad]

I am researching my great uncle James Alfred Wake born 1887 in Wandsworth London. He was the oldest of four siblings to serve in the Great War. He was attested in Stratford London on 12^th June 1907 joining the Duke of Cornwall Light Infantry but states he was already serving in 5 ^th Rifle Brigade that he describes as a Militia, not sure what that involves, he was 20 at the time. I have visited the excellent museum at Bodmin Cornwall and found his name in the records as arriving there on 14^th June. Ancestry records appear to show that he was transferred to the reserves in 1912 then mobilized at Bodmin 6^th August 1914 then to BEF France 21^stAugust 1914. Nothing else until he is wounded at Hill 60 in may 1915, although his wounds were considered light it was discovered he had Hodgkin's disease and was eventually discharged on medical grounds in January 1916. On returning home he married his childhood sweet heart and died of Hodgkin's a few months later.

  

There is a lot there but if anyone can help with information regarding his transfer from Rifle Brigade to DCLI I would be grateful, also any information about Hill 60 and the role of the DCLI.

  

Mal thanks

[munster]

Hi Mal and welcome to the Forum.James militia service was the forerunner of the Territorial Force.His service was 1/5 Batallion the London Regiment known as the London Rifle Brigade.He when signing for DCLI was leaving the part time and joining the regular army.You appear to have his details from ancestry i see he got the Silver War Badge that roll is on ancestry as well his badge number was 9820.Some info on links below.john
London Regiment (london rifle brigade)
http://www.1914-1918.net/london.htm
DCLI
http://www.1914-1918.net/dcli.htm
Territorial Force (militia)
http://www.1914-1918.net/tf.htm
I see from his pension papers he continued to serve in france untill December 1915.I see no CWGC entry for him.

[gunnersdad]

Thanks munster that’s very helpful. He was discharged due to illness and died a few months later so I guess that’s why there is no CWGC entry?