RootsChat.Com

Just to add incase anyone follows after, i've also found in the UK, WWI Pension Ledgers and Index Cards, 1914-1923, odly listing himself as next of kin with the following info.
Record Type:   Disability
Residence Place:   Gnosall
Military Service Region:   Midlands, England
Service Number:   251513
Corps, Regiment or Unit:   R.E.
Service Branch:   Military (Army)
Title:   PRC Ledgers
Description:   Pension Record Ledger
Reference Number:   6/ML/No.1342

I do not have access to the full document (another paid/premium service) but this transcribed info can be accessed via ancestry subs.
If anyone can guide me on finding out more about that disability i'd appreciate it.

Thank you for this long reply, I really appreciate your taking so much time to help.
In searchign for info on him, i found a local railway museum has been donnated a medal for this chap, though they have no idea when/from whom and have no further info, it does suggest whoever donnated it to them, was aware of his railway connection.
The medal they have says "Medal of 264th Railway Construction Company, Royal Engineers" it's in a spinks (sp?) case, with the obverse, words, "France Belgium" on each side of trumpeter and ? R.E. coat of arms.
At the bottom: "The last post" Reverse, "264th Railway Construction Company. R.E" and in centre  "Presented to SPR G Lafford R.E. 1915-1919"

For me that confirms his railway company connection.
The longlong trail site shows 264th embarked date 13.5.17 and F&F from 4.17 to 11.18.
I can't see how he can embark in the may, but be in F&F the month before.
Unless he embarked in 1917 but went to F&F 1918?     

You mention his medical card showing he was overseas after 1915 so i'm guessing the difference might depend which WR number they refer to?
Also you mention WR.265327 is not a waterways and railways number, I hadn't realised that's what WR stood for and actually it would make much more sence that he worked with the waterways, his pre war apprentiship and 10 years working was brickbuilding on the canals.
Would you think he was given his WR number in 1918 when he went to F&F, and if he served in 1917 would have had a different number? That might tie up the anomolies?

For other serving relatives, i've been able to find their sign up card, and further details written on their forces records, next of kin, a description of them, etc but the personal info seems very very light on the ground for this chaps war service, I thought perhaps i was just looking in the wrong place.

Do you think i'd get more info if i subscribed to the forces war records site, (they keep emailing me 'great offers' )or is this likely to be all there is?

Thanks all, this is hugely helpful

I have Alfred George Lear born 1912 in Gnosall, Staffs.
His parents Alfred & Gertie (also a sister Gertie) lived there till the 1930's at least.
In the 1930's both his parents died and his sister was a domestic servant elsewhere, lots of info on them, but he seems to disapear.
My only link is the possibility this chap lived to a very old age and died just recently 2004 in Warwickshire. (Vague link suggestions and no real further info).

Also, would anyone have links to further info on Westwood sanatorium, Wordsley, and what it was in 1932, I suspect a TB hosp but can't find anything to confirm.

Many thanks

incase it helps anyone else who finds this thread in years to come - it's been suggested i access GNC Scotland Roll of [Assistant] Nurses, 1946 and 1956-66. on A*ctry, but it's a work in progress just not so not accesible till aug 2016.

otherwise i'm still hunting for now....