Army reserve?

[sarah99]

In the 1891 census Horace Wass, age 28 has his occupation recorded as Army reserve - what does this actually mean? Is it like the TA today? In which case he would surely have another occupation. And how would I find out what regiment he was attached to if that is the case?

Regards and thanks in anticipation
Sarah

[ricky1]

 
Hi sarah99
In the 1881 Census he is down as being a plumber

[sarah99]

Thanks - yes - I saw that - but in 1901 he isn't there at all - I wondered if he was fighting in the Boer War - there were rumours in the family that he may have but you can't always rely on family rumours!!

Sarah

[harribobs]

not really like TA, he would have been a regular in the Army, signed up for a certain number of years actually serving, then a number of years in the 'reserve' ie ready to be called up should he be needed

i'm surprised it's down as a occupation though

[sarah99]

That's interesting - perhaps he was showing off or didn't have another job at that time  .

It would seem that he wasn't in the army in 1901 then - I'll have to search a little harder.

Thanks for the information
Regards
Sarah

[liverpool annie]

Hi Sarah!

There's three Horace Wass' in the medal card index ...! maybe you can check them out! though he'd be in his 50's in WW1!!

Annie 

Medal card of    Wass, Horace W
Corps:   Middlesex Regiment
Regiment No:   F/1019
Rank:   Lance Corporal...
1914-1920   WO 372/21   

Medal card of    Wass, Horace
Corps:   Manchester Regiment
Regiment No:   208733
Rank:   Private...
1914-1920   WO 372/21   

Medal card of    Wass, Horace H
Corps:   Army Service Corps
Regiment No:   M2/13240
Rank:   Private
1914-1920   WO 372/21   

[sarah99]

Hi Annie

One of Horace's nephews was called Horace C Wass and was born in 1895 - his family moved to Manchester in the early part of the 20th century  - so bingo! I think the middle Horace may be him! Thank you very much - I'm going to order the medal card.

Regards
Sarah

[harribobs]

well let us know what you find when you download it

i'll have a small wager he's 5th battalion 

(we are the Manchester's specialists!!   )

[liverpool annie]

I wouldn't want to take that bet!! 

Here's the medal card Sarah ..

http://tinyurl.com/eyf58

Annie 

Is Wass an unusual name in Manchester?
I found an Edward - William and Thomas - all with the Manchester Regiment!!