3 replies to this topic

[Dave W]

I am trying to help a friend research the circumstances of the death of his wife's grandfather, Pte No. 307317 Thomas Lewis, Lancashire Fusiliers. Who died on 15th August 1918, and is buried at Niederzwehren Cemetery in Germany.

It appears from the CWGC details of the cemetery that this became a concentration cemetery for those POW's who died in German hands.

My normal interest is the Welsh Regiment and I have access to loads of reference material on the Welsh, but have nothing on the Lancashire Fusiliers, hence this post seeking some assistance.

I have checked the Medal Index Card which is one of those very unhelpful cards with no detail other than the fact that Pte. No. 307317, Thomas Lewis was entitled to the British War and Victory medals.

The CWGC entry states that he was serving with 2/8th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers, that he died aged 39, and was the son of John and Lydia Lewis, of Abercych; husband of Margaret Jane Lewis, of Penlancych, Abercych, Boncath, Pembrokeshire.

The Soldiers died details from Ancestry state that he had enlisted in Cardiff, but was serving with 1/8th Bn Lancashire Fusiliers and that he died of wounds.

So we have an apparent anomaly as to which battalion was he serving with at the time of his death or captivity.

I have had a look on Ancestry for service papers but to no avail.

Is there any way I can clarify which battalion of the Lancashire Fusiliers he was serving with and if / when he was taken POW ?

Any suggestions most welcome.

Many thanks.
Dave

[Sandie]

I've had a look on Find My Past but they only have details of officers who were prisoners of war.

Have you had a look at his local newspaper archives? He may be listed as a prisoner of war and, almost certainly, his death will have made the local news. You might be lucky and the newspaper article will give his battalion and regiment.

Good luck,
Sandie

[Dave Swarbrick]

The actual medal roll at Kew should have which Battalion he served in - but they are not online. You could request a copy from them, although I suspect that would be a long and cumbersome process. I won't be going back to Kew for a month or so - holidays and weddings getting the way of research, but if no-one else has found it for you by the end of July get back to me and I'll add it to my "to do" list.

Dave Swarbrick

[Dave W]

<sub>Thanks Sandie & Dave. Replies much appreciated. I will see what I can do regarding a newspaper search, and checking tha medal rolls at Kew. Dave, thanks for the offer regarding the medal rolls, if I have not managed to have them checked by the end of July I may well take you up on your kind offer.

Dave</sub>