I've taken advantage of the free access on Ancestry for WW1 records and discovered that my grandfather signed up and served. A previously unknown fact, even to my late father.
The problem is that I can't make out the Battalion or Regiment description from the handwriting.
On Ancestry he is Frank Challis, aged 17, born abt 1899, residence Sourton Combs (actual Sawston, CAM).
The 3rd page of 6 gives his 'Statement of the Services' and it looks to me like :
General Service, Attested, Pter, 24-9-16
General Service, To Army Reserve, Pter, 25-9-16
Mobilized, Pter, 19-2-17
Farming Res (?) 21 Btn, Posted, 19-2-17
Infantry Res, 241st Btn, Posted, Pter, 21-7-17
Discharged, P/E, 23.1.18
Stamped is 'No longer physically fit for War Service.
Is it Farming reserve ? Who were the 241st Btn ?
Page 4 appears to have '241 Infantry Bn Regiment' with Rank/Regiment number of Pte 13/80234.
Most of the other records I have viewed seem to have a much shorter number. Is his long number unusual ?
Page 5 relates to his Pension following his discharge. Next to Weekly Pension is written what appears to be '£25 Gratuity (1) RW 1917'.
Why the 1917 reference if his was discharged in Jan 1918 ? What does the Gratuity relate to ?
The only thing my father ever said about his dad and his involvement in the war was that he worked for the Ministry of Food and Fisheries. It's been a huge suprise to turn up this record, but now I'm sad that I don't know enough to understand it.
It would mean a lot if someone could help me.
Kind regards
