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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: SmallTownGirl on Wednesday 12 December 18 19:55 GMT (UK)
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When men enlisted under the Derby scheme, were they allocated their service number and regiment at that time, or when they were called back to start their actual service, please?
Thanks
STG
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They attested and received their number and regiment at that first appearance. HOWEVER, when recalled later, many were immediately assigned elsewhere with a different number as the army's requirements had changed meanwhile.
MaxD
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Oh dear. How confusing :-\
I'm trying to find more info on William E Harvey, 34260, Leicestershire Regiment. Only his medal card and medal roll survived, but I found 34262, Norman France, who signed up in 1916 and was called back in February 1917 in Halifax. I think I was hoping to deduce from Norman's records when/where William signed up.
Feel free to point out the flaws in my plan ;D
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France didn't join under the Derby Scheme. He was "deemed to have enlisted" ie conscripted in his case at the age of 18 in Jun 1916, joining in Feb 1917.
Although Harvey's number is close, without his record it would not be safe to say he was "deemed to have enlisted" at the same time unless his age was much the same. Both men served last in 6 Battalion but France didn't get there until Feb 1918.
The Derby Scheme was sign up by 15 Dec 1915, recalled then in 1916.
MaxD
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France and Harvey were both born 1898 in Huddersfield and Jamaica, respectively. France was KIA on 22.3.1918, and Harvey was taken as a POW on the same date.
Does this help, please?
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Age would suggest that both could have been conscripted at the same time and perhaps followed the same path to 6 Battalion. I would use the term "indications are that....)!
MaxD
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Many thanks ;D
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Sorry, me again!
Were recruiting offices given block allocations of service numbers for various regiments, e.g. Leicestershire Regiment Nos. 34000-34500, (so, an allocation of, say 500) to fill and then when they'd used them all up, the started on a batch for, say, a completely different regiment?
Does this make sense, please?
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You ask a question which, on the face of it, looks as if it should have simple answer but unfortunately doesn't. There were too many variables. There were volunteers to the regular army who were, generally, allowed some measure of choice as to regiment (and hence number). Then there was the Territorial Force which men could also join and serve full time for the duration, the Derby Scheme and then conscription. The Pals battalions were they were formed introduced another variation as did the regiments and corps where particular skills were looked for.
On a more specialised forum the subject of number/regiment allocations is among the subjects with the greatest number of "subscribers". There are some contributors there who have made specific study of the subject. The phrase "it was not an exact science" comes up again and again in answers. Ducking the question I'll send you a PM.
MaxD