How do I find out if relatives served in WW1?

[Comosus]

I'd like to find out if my Great Grandfathers served in the First World War.  My grandfathers were 17 and 18 when World War 2 broke out, my paternal grandfather married during the war.  Similarly, 3 of 4 of my great grandfathers married during the First World War.  They would have been 18, 23, 29 and 31 in 1914.

I don't know where to start.  First of all I'd like to find out if they were actually in the First World War.

Thanks, Andrew.

[Kevwood]

If you list what you know Andrew(names etc) i am sure we can find out, the wwi medal index cards are available online.

Kev.

[Comosus]

David Gledhill Holmes born 1896 Leeds
William White born 1891 Leeds
John William Wooler born 1885 Bradford
George Robert Smith born 1883 Woolsthorpe, Leicestershire

Thanks, Andrew.

[Kevwood]

Possible David G Holmes.

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=3094039&queryType=1&resultcount=1

Kev.

[Comosus]

Thanks for your help.  I have paid to have a look at the file.  He signed up in December 1915 and was discharged in October 1917.  I think I will order his marriage certificate as he married in December 1916. 

How would I find out why he was discharged?

Thanks, Andrew.

[liverpool annie]

Hi Andrew!

If you paid to look at his file - what did it tell you ??

It should have given you quite a bit of information !!

Annie 

[Comosus]

It didn't give as much information as I hoped for.  There was an address field but it was not filled in.

It says he was in the 80th Reserve Battalion, reg number TR6/43133,
Rank: Private. 
Enlistment: 10.12.15.
Discharge: 5.10.17.
Cause of Discharge 392(XU1) K R S

Double Dutch to me really!

Andrew.

[harribobs]

cause of discharge

Kings Regulations 392 section XV1  No longer physically fit for service

[Comosus]

Thanks, harribobs!  That's made it make more sense to me now.  Is it possible that Leeds Central Library may have more information?  As helpful as it may be, "No longer physically fit for service" could be a number of things and I'd like to find out as much as possible.

Thanks, Andrew.