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Author Topic: RGA Fort Grange, Hampshire 1901 - Help Needed  (Read 100 times)
andreacampbell
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Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
RGA Fort Grange, Hampshire 1901 - Help Needed
« on: Wednesday 21 October 09 13:29 UTC (UK) »
Hi

I am doing some research into my husbands family history and have located a census record for his great grandfather for 1901 (location: Hampshire, Rowner, District Fort Grange) which has him listed as a bomb (presuming bombardier) R.G.A.

Unfortunately my knowledge of military history is shockingly bad Shocked and so am unable to make any sense of this.

Can anyone explain what they did and where I might be able to find additional information about his service. His name was William Edward Powell, B: 29.02.1876 in Birmingham.

We only pick him up again in 1918 when we marries my hubby's great grandmother.

Thanks in advance

Andrea
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km1971
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Posts: 2741


Census information Crown Copyright, from www.nationalarchives.gov.uk
Re: RGA Fort Grange, Hampshire 1901 - Help Needed
« Reply #1 on: Wednesday 21 October 09 16:40 UTC (UK) »
Hi Andrea

RGA = Royal Garrison Artillery, so they manned the large guns in forts all around the Empire. In major wars such as the Boer War some RGA men were sent out into the field with smaller horse drawn guns.

If he was discharged before the end of 1913, which is likely from his age, his papers (if they survive) will be in Kew. Findmypast will be putting these online by 2011.

If he served into WW1 (without a break) the papers covering his whole career may be on Ancestry either in the pensions or WW1 Service Records. However two-thirds of these were destroyed by WW2 bombing. If he re-enlisted in WW1 - it could be with another unit - they would have started a second set. This will give details of his first period of service on Page 1. So you should start by checking all the William Powells on Ancestry.

If a man's papers have not survived the next step is to research the muster books. However these disappear from the mid 1890s, so he may not be recorded. You should also check FMP for the overseas/regimental BMDs. These also include some 'home' births.

Was he still serving in 1918? If so it would be worthwhile checking the electoral roll for 1918/19, as these often give regimental numbers. Which in turn will tell you if he re-enlisted for WW1 or served from the 1890s.

Ken
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Little Nell
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Re: RGA Fort Grange, Hampshire 1901 - Help Needed
« Reply #2 on: Wednesday 21 October 09 20:07 UTC (UK) »
Fort Grange is now derelict - modern photo here:

http://www.palmerstonforts.org.uk/gall/gal5.htm

It became an airfield - a bit of information can be fouind on the same site.

Nell
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Wendi
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Peeking into the past
Re: RGA Fort Grange, Hampshire 1901 - Help Needed
« Reply #3 on: Friday 23 October 09 11:47 UTC (UK) »
Hi Andrea

I think I may have found him for you  Undecided

On CWGC website there is a W E Powell, Staff Serjeant RGA 3rd Reserve Battery who died 17th October 1919 and is buried in Portsmouth's Kingston Cemetery.  He was the husband of one M. K. Powell, of 11 Portchester Road, North End, Portsmouth.

His Medal Index Card on Ancestry, drew me to him as his initial service number SR/4450 being prefixed with SR indicates that he was Special Reserve and older than the normal intake of soldier, also his wifes address is on the MIC as in Portsmouth.....not that far from Gosport  Cheesy

The clincher for me was his age at death 44.

Could this be the man you are looking for ?

Wendi  Smiley
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"Believe nothing, no matter where you read it, or who said it!  No matter if I have said it,
unless it agrees with your own reason and with your own common sense" ~ Buddha

SCOTT ~ Monmouthshire & Glamorgan
BUCKLEY ~ Cork & Manchester
FRANKLIN ~ Clerkenwell, London
BRADY ~ Kildare & Manchester
DERICK ~ France
FRIEND ~ Kent & Portsmouth
TYLDESLEY ~ Lancashire

http://www.themanchesters.org
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