Need Help with this WWI R.F.A. Medal Card

[Canuk]

Please, could somebody help me with the interpretation of the attached medal card for a soldier in the Royal Field Artillery.  Did he desert or not? What do all the abbreviations mean?  How can I find out more about him?

He married into the family that I am researching.  Here is what I know about him from the marriage certificate.  James Gordon Gourlay was born in 1889.  His father was James Gourlay, a contractor.  He was married 8 November 1921, St. Martin's, Cheriton (near Folkstone) Kent.  He gave his profession as R.F.A and address as Shorncliffe Camp.

Thanks for any help you can give me.

[forester]

Hello Canuk,

I would say that he did desert and was convicted. All told (desertion and punishment) 12 months elapsed before he rejoined. He was crossed off the original medal rolls, but was re-entered on the Restoration Roll.

Phil

[scrimnet]

If he was still in when he married, his records will be with the MOD...And very interesting reading they will make!!

A very naughty boy, and proof positive that all deserters were not shot at dawn!

Get the NOK to fill in a SAR via the Veterans Agency website...

[Canuk]

Thank you so much for your help.  This really does demand more research now.  I will follow up on your advice.

cheers

[ainslie]

Canuk
It is rare to find the RFA unit on a medal index card.  You are lucky that the MIC shows your man served in 4th Brigade RFA.  The Long, Long Trail website shows that this brigade was part of the Meerut Division, Indian Army.  <http://www.1914-1918.net/>
This was in action in Flanders in October 1914, including the Battle of La Bassee, and in later actions.

[battiscombe]

Note that as a regular soldier with 4th Brigade RFA, he came to France from India (Secunderabad I think) with the Meerut division.. it is possible to get a reasonably clear idea of when he enlisted from his number (as a prewar soldier..) if you are interested

david

[Canuk]

Thank you all so much.  I have now been given many, many leads to follow which I will do.  You all are certainly a helpful lot.

Cheers,

[forester]

The nearest one I've come across is 49844, enlisted February 1908.

Phil