Seaforth Highlanders

[Ryan1]

Hi,

Looking for any information on Sergeant Donald Stewart Service Number: 3204 and 266217 - served with King's African Rifles and 1/6th Seaforth Highlanders.  Donald was born on 6 Feb 1894 at Pitairlie, Morayshire.  Would really like to find out when he finished his military service.  Thanks for any help.

Daniel.

[ShaunJ]

It looks like his service records have not survived (most were destroyed by enemy action in WW2). His medal index card is marked "Demob" so presumably he was discharged in 1919 or thereabouts. 

[Andy J2022]

Also, have you seen the Morayshire Roll of Honour which records his service (but not his date of discharge)? I think it contains an error in that it says he enlisted at Elgin in Oct 1915, yet his medal index card says he went to France in Sep 1915, so earned his 14/15 Star.

[jim1]

I have this man:
266289 3/6 S.H. demobbed 19/8/19.
So your man would be around the same time.

[Andy J2022]

Jim,

Why do believe that men with similar numbers might have been demobbed about the same time? Men were demobbed based on their personal circumstances, theatre of operations, category of reserve, and things like whether their employer had claimed them. I don't think it has ever been suggested that demobilisation would have based (solely or largely) on their Army number.

[jim1]

It's not that I believe that men with similar numbers necessarily returned at
the same time or that men were sent back from a theatre of war
just because their employer wanted them back.
With the absence of a service record it's a useful tool to look for
men with similar numbers.

[Andy J2022]

OK, but I wouldn't have thought it was that accurate, unlike say when prewar regimental numbers can provide a close bracket of dates for enlistment.
I'm sure you are familiar with Chris Baker's article on the subject over on the Long, Long Trail

[Ryan1]

Thank you all for your replies and attachments which have been very helpful.

Kindest regards,
Daniel Ryan.