Hello,
I have known about George Elsey for sometime now - mainly as a one legged traction driver and while I have been able to fill in his civilian details up until now I haven't been able to find any military details. I think he lost his leg during WW1 and the fact he got a pension bares out the fact he was injured.
This is what I have found so far -
WO329_636897_0831_00184
Roll of Individuals entitled to “War Badge”
Reg No.7356 Pte George Elsey West Yorks Prince of Wale’s Own,No. Badge 89267 enlisted 4.1.1904 Discharge 31.12.1914 Wounds Para 392 (XVI) served overseas-YES
Pension Record
G. Elsey Pte Yorks Discharge Date 31.12.1914
Service Record: 7350 Reg.: West Yorkshire Ref 4/ME/ No. 222D married living at Wheldrake
Date commencement of Pension 1.1.15
Medal Rolls Index Card
Elsey George 1W.Yorks Reg.
Private 7356Medal Roll Page
Victory 0/2/104B7 777
British o/2/104B7 777
14 Star 0/2/3 39 Discharged SWB list 0/179 Qualifying Date: 8.9.14
Medals & Awards
George Elsey 1914 Star Prince of Wale’s Own/West Yorks
Reg. No. 7356 1st Battalion Disembarkation:8.9.1914 Discharged
As you can see I have put his reg. no. in red and it changes by one digit from 7356 to 7350. I think this must have been an admin error as the discharge dates and regiments are the same. It says he joined the army in 1904 but he was married and living in Wheldrake in 1911 and described as an agricultural labourer. My questions are-
Do you think I am correct in assuming an admin error for the difference in the reg. no.? Or do you think I have two different men?
Do you think the 1904 should have read 1914 and would there be any way of finding out?
I know a lot of the WW1 papers burned but 1904 is pre-war,did they also burn? Also if he didn't join until 1914 he was sent to France quickly I have great Uncles that signed up in 1914 and didn't go to France until 1915.
Is there any way I can find out how he was injured?
What should I look up in the war diaries? I looked up West Yorkshire and then the drop down box asked for a division.
Thank you
Louise