Private William Henry Skinner

[AngieToton]

I'm trying to find out about my great grandfather - Private William Henry Skinner

He was in the Sherwood Foresters then I think moved to the Leicestershire Regiment.

I'd like to find out which brigade etc he was in and where he served during WW1.

My Dad was told that William was gassed in the Somme ?

[CaroleW]

What year was he born and where was he born?  Do you know his regimental number?

[CaroleW]

It’s ok I found a WW1 Medal Roll entry for him.  2 numbers 306818 and 235419

He was a Private and was awarded the British and Victory medals but there is nothing on the MRI  to indicate he served abroad

The record shows both the regiments you mention in your post

[AngieToton]

Thanks, he was born in Dec 1886 - which would have made him quite old for WW1 ( 28 years )
in Barnstable.

Why would he have to Army numbers ?

I have a photo of him in uniform.

[CaroleW]

Over 60% of WW1 service records were burnt during the WW2 blitz.  Looks like his was one of them as I can’t see a service or a pension record for him

[CaroleW]

Presume he had 2 numbers because he served with 2 different regiments

[AngieToton]

So I'll have to assume that the first was with the Sherwood Foresters and the second was with the Leicestershire regiment.

I'll have a look at them.

[jim1]

was awarded the British and Victory medals but there is nothing on the MRI  to indicate he served abroad

He wouldn't be on the Medal Roll if he hadn't served overseas.
He was 306818 2/8 Batt. Notts & Derbys. Regt.
This is the Batt. he first went overseas with.
Then transferred to the 6/Leics. Regt.
Both of these were Territorial Battalions hence the 6 digit numbers.
I'll see what I can dig out.

[CaroleW]

was awarded the British and Victory medals but there is nothing on the MRI  to indicate he served abroad

Sorry - badly worded reply on my part.  Many MRI cards show the Theatre of War or a date (or both) but there is no such wording on William's to indicate where he served