George Henry Austin

[Tilly92]

Looking for some help researching my great great Grandad. He was born in Shoreham-by-Sea in 1879. Following up family stories I have looked up some war records and found that he served in World War One. This is where he gets confusing (for me), I believe he served in the 495th Heavy Battery Royal Garrison which I think is the North Somerset Yeomanry? Then I found that he also served in the West Riding Royal Garrison Artillery. Firstly, does anyone know why he would serve in a Somerset and Yorkshire regiment when he came from Sussex. Furthermore, how I would be able to find out more information such as service records.

Many Thanks in advance.

[forester]

Hello Tilly,

Firstly we need to establish what sources you have found the information in. Ranks and service numbers will also help. Have you found his actual service record?

Although a lot of eary volunteers may have joined a local regiment etc, there are no hard and fast rules and later conscription pretty much knocked that on the head.

It does look like you have some conflicting information there, although not necessarily so.

Phil

[forester]

I'm guessing that you have found the medal index card for Lieutenant George Henry Austin, West Riding & 495HB RGA:

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0f2z/

Unfortunately, I don't have Ancestry, so can't extract the info from it, which I would hope has his address on the back etc.

This man may have a service record in WO 374/2825, but there isn't a cross reference in WO 338, so I can't confirm it.

The North Somerset Yeomanry connection remains a conundrum. Cavalry and Artillery do not normally mix.

If I get a chance I will have a look in the London Gazette to see if there is anything in there.

Phil

[forester]

A George Henry Austin was commissioned into the East Riding RGA (Territorial Force) on 3rd November 1916.

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/29814/supplements/10736

Given that your man would have been 37 then, I think it is unlikely that they are one and the same.

Phil

[Tilly92]

Hello

Thank you for your help.

I found out about his medals here
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?queryType=1&resultcount=1&Edoc_Id=1213242

Both were on the same page so I presume he is the same person.

What would the medal card show if I were to buy it?

Thank you,
Tilly

[forester]

Tilly,

Particularly in this case, as he is an Officer, you want the Ancestry version of the medal index card.

Not only is it a better quality image and in colour, but there is often a lot more info on an officer's MIC, which runs onto the back of the card (not available on TNA images), including his address if you  are lucky.

Phil