JAMES CLAIR PHELAN

[andyphelan]

Hi, I'm hoping someone will be able to help me track down some information about my great-grandfather, James Clair Phelan.
James was born in Ireland but moved to Sheffield some time around the turn of the 20th century.
He was married to Alice and had nine children, living in the Tinsley, Handsworth and Richmond areas of Sheffield.
I know little of James' military service but I believe the attached pictures date from WW1. It seems James was a Sgt Mjr, possibly promoted to WO. There is one WO James Phelan listed in the National Archive in the Royal Field Artillery, but I'm not sure the cap badges match these pictures? James is on the left of the pictures.
Any help gratefully received.

[ostrauts]

Hi Andy,

I think the badge in the last picture is the British Army general service badge.

Regards,
Stuart

[andyphelan]

Hi Andy,

I think the badge in the last picture is the British Army general service badge.

Regards,
Stuart

Thanks Stuart,

It does look as if that's the case - what would that indicate? Was James a reservist of some kind?

Really appreciate your help.

[ostrauts]

Hi Andy,

It could mean he was part of the General Service Corps.  Perhaps someone on here with more knowledge will be able to confirm this for you.

I did notice on the third photograph on James' left arm the Insignia is of the rank of Staff Sergeant, see link of Insignia's:

http://www.alanharding.com/Military/ranks/ranks.html

Regards,
Stuart

[andyphelan]

Thanks Stuart, tried to message you

[Ladyhawk]

I'm hoping someone will be able to help me track down some information about my great-grandfather, James Clair Phelan.

I know little of James' military service but I believe the attached pictures date from WW1. It seems James was a Sgt Mjr, possibly promoted to WO.

There is one WO James Phelan listed in the National Archive in the Royal Field Artillery,
but I'm not sure the cap badges match these pictures?

Is this the medal card you refer to? http://www.rootschat.com/links/019kz/

looks as if he died in 1916 http://www.rootschat.com/links/019l0/
http://www.rootschat.com/links/019l1/
Phelan, James (35) 113th Bty. 25th Bde. Royal Field Artillery, 29660,
Battery Serjeant Major,
 son of John and Alice Phelan, of Kilbarry, Waterford
 husband of E. Phelan, of Compass Hill, Kinsale, Co. Cork

[andyphelan]

Thanks Ladyhawk, it can't be James as he survived the war - rules that link out though so thanks for your help