William James Smart, 1st Royal Dragoons 1914-1918 service record

[RainworthRoyal]

Hi all

I am having great difficulty in tracing my grandfather's military career during WW1.

WILLIAM JAMES SMART: born Edmonton, Middlesex 18th July 1892; served in the 1st Royal Dragoons; regimental number D/8311
 
I have been able to find his medal roll quite easily, but I have had no luck in finding his service record during the conflict.
I have been using Ancestry; should I be looking elsewhere?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[rosie99]

A large proportion of WW1 records were destroyed in WW2
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/pathways/firstworldwar/service_records/sr_soldiers.htm

[jim1]

Although his records haven't survived the 1.RD war diary does.
It can be accessed via Ancestry if you have a sub. or from TNA for £3.45.

[MaxD]

And in support of Rosie, a search of Findmypast also does not turn up his detailed record.  The only snippet the medal roll gives is that he served only with the 1st Dragoons when overseas.

You may wish to download the regiment's war diary for £3.50 (it's gone up Jim) from here http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/C7351529

It should be on Ancestry but the 6th Cavalry Brigade with which the regiment served doesn't seem to appear in their list.

maxD

[jim1]

1/RD Ancestry.
http://www.rootschat.com/links/01jva/

[MaxD]

Thank you Jim, useful for future reference also.

maxD