Driver Joseph Sparkes, RFA, puzzle

[ainslie]

This name is on a brass memorial plaque naming members of a Territorial Artillery battery who lost their lives in WW1.  The plaque is in Garston, south Liverpool, where the battery was based at outbreak of war.  It was part of 3rd West Lancs Brigade, later 277th.
I have found him via Ancestry with number 685984 on a medal card and roll (BWM & Victory), but there is no trace of him on the CWGC or Soldiers Died.
We do not know when the plaque was made.
Any help would be welcomed.
A

[MaxD]

I wonder whether he is 39052 Joseph Sparkes East Lancs Regiment but formerly RFA with the number 1336.  His soldiers effects entry has Sparkes but the e has been later crossed out.  SDGW has birthplace Liverpool (Sparks). Spelling varies.  Living 1911 in Hartnup St Liverpool with mother Alice which adds up with effects.

MaxD

[ainslie]

Thanks for that.  I’ll try the four figure number against others I have and see if it fits, when I open the database (on iPad now).
A

[cath151]

Good find Max
Liverpool Echo MAY 18th 1918 with a possible photo of the soldier..
"Gunner J Sparks 39052 East Lancashires, previously Royal Field Artillery. Missing since March 21st.
Information to 4, Neston Street, Walton."

Cathy

[MaxD]

Does that link with Garston? (As a softy southerner I don't know the tribal lands of the scouse)

MaxD

[cath151]

Not sure, I m a softly midlander!
Cathy

[jim1]

Dvr. 685984 J Sparkes has a number allocated to the 277th. The men on the RFA (T) Roll have previous numbers listed but this man doesn't. At present it doesn't look like Gnr.39052  J Sparks is the same man.
As he died after Jan. 1917 when the renumbering started he should have had a 6 digit number as well.

[ainslie]

I thought I had replied earlier but it has not appeared.  Thanks for all the good sleuthing, which is most interesting.  I see the medal roll for his 1914-15 Star has 'dead' typed in the remarks column. 
I shall have to come back on later and have another bite at this.
A

[Jool]

Weekly Casualty List (War Office & Air Ministry ) 11 December 1917.

Part III W.O.'s, N.C.O'S and Men Wounded
Sparkes 685984 Dvr. J. (Widnes)