Royal Marine Light Infantry?

[Liz in France]

Hi,

I am trying to sort out a couple of my relatives from the same family but a generation apart.

I have a photo which my mother has stated as being George Frederick Gardiner born 1863.  She thinks he was in the navy but I know he married in Australia in 1901 and as far as I can find out, he did not serve in the forces after then.  I haven't found him on any census information after the age of 8 although I do have a 1901 census for a George Gardiner in Malta, which could be him as the birthplace is correct.

I think the photo is of Henry George Gardiner born 1879 as it looks to be the right era for a young man of 20 ish.  His cap badge is that of a Royal Marine Light Infantry man, but the details from CWGC state that he was in the Royal Flying Corps when he died in 1917. 

Do these two regiments fit together.  I am very confused by it and although I have his service no. I have not been able to find anything further about his army/naval life.

Can someone please point me in the right direction.

Elizabeth

[t mo]

hello elizabeth
i,ve had a look on the nat archives and found a george frederick gardiner - ordinary seaman 16 april 1889 his record is availiable for downloading .
but haven,t had any luck finding a henry george gardiner in the rfc
trevor

[ScouseBoy]

I have not heard of the Royal Marines  having a regiment called  Light Infantry.

[ainslie]

RMLI was at one time part of the RM, the other being the Royal Marine Artillery.  Merged in 1923.

[ScouseBoy]

Malta is believable and possible for a Royal Marine, as the Royal Navy  had big installations at Malta.

[ScouseBoy]

RMLI was at one time part of the RM, the other being the Royal Marine Artillery.  Merged in 1923.

I stand corrected.  I had not heard of that before, sorry.               

[mmm45]

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8144315&queryType=1&resultcount=7

possible?

Ady

[mmm45]

Liz can you post his number and the photo if possible.
If he is RM then his records are out there.

Ady

[Liz in France]

Good evening to you all,

Thanks for all your replies.  I shall start wading through them all after the evening meal is finished.

I will do my best to send  the photo, but never done it before, so fingers crossed.

The  service number of Henry George Gardiner was 26675 of the Royal Flying Corp and he died 8th September 1917 buried at Shorncliffe Military Cemetery, Kent.

I can't get my head round the two service sections mentioned. i.e Royal Marine would indicate the sea and land and Royal Flying Corps indicates the air.  Perhaps my mother was right and it is a photo of the older man George Frederick Gardiner.

Can't wait to look the links up you have given, but must go.

Elizabeth