WW1 RIF 18430 Thomas J Wright

[therave]

Finally found my gf's WW1 info on Ancestry after trying multiple times in the past.  His reg svc # was 18430 and I know he was a sergeant, served in France, was gassed, and suffered permanent total-body hair loss. 

A medal card reads:  B/102 B14 Roll, 546 page.

I would like to read more about his experience.  The RIF Museum describes the First Batt going to India and the Second to Dover, "the latter going to France in the Fourth Div..."  Guessing he was in the Fourth Div, but the Fourth Div of what?  Can someone guide me? 

[KGarrad]

See: http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/
and: http://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/order-of-battle-of-divisions/4th-division/

[MaxD]

The links that KGarrad cites should lead you to find that the 2nd Battalion RIF went to France and were indeed in  4th Division until December 1914.

However, his Silver War Badge card http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/details/r/D6029641 which gives his enlistment and discharge dates shows he didn't enlist until 2 Jan 1915 and the medal award roll (the numbers you quote are simply the reference to the roll his British War and Victory medals are recorded on)  shows he served overseas only with 8th Battalion.  His medal card has no 1914/1914 Star indicating he did not go overseas until after the end of 1915 which would fit with 8th Battalion who went in Feb 1916.

Their potted history is here:
https://www.longlongtrail.co.uk/army/regiments-and-corps/the-british-infantry-regiments-of-1914-1918/royal-inniskilling-fusiliers/

His detailed service record has not survived. 

MaxD



 

[MaxD]

You can download the two war diaries that cover Feb 1916 onwards here for free at present:
http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/results/r?_aq=8%20royal%20inniskilling%20WO%2095&_nq1=muster&_nq2=30&_dss=range&_ro=any&_st=adv

Note that 8th Battalion was amalgamated with 7th in August 1917 and that he had left France by March 1918

MaxD

[therave]

I wish I received notifications when ppl post replies

Thank you to Kgarrad. Sick to my stomach I didn't get to thank the lovely person who took the time to help me. God rest their soul.

[AllanUK]

I wish I received notifications when ppl post replies

Thank you to Kgarrad. Sick to my stomach I didn't get to thank the lovely person who took the time to help me. God rest their soul.

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