Air Mechanic: locations in WW1

[jim1]

I've been told that the "3" at the start of his record number on these forms indicates that he enlisted in the North West of England.

If you're referring to the Regional no. 3/A this is the office that dealt with pensions for that region.
In this case 3=North West (office at Duke St. Mancs.)
A=Airman.
25 TS was at Thetford Norfolk.
Following the Easter uprising in 1916 it was decided not to include Ireland in conscription.
This didn't prevent men from enlisting if they so chose.
So that just leaves 43 Stn.
The only suggestion I can offer is that there was a Training School based in Reading for pilot/observer training although I can find no reference to it being called 43 Stn.
It may be he was posted there in some sort of support role.

[fisherj]

Thanks for looking up and sharing these links Haliared - but I am afraid that the abbreviation for Casualty Clearing Station is "CCS" and not "Stn" - or so I am told. 

I've also read many articles and posts e.g. on the Great War Forum about CCSs and never seen "Stn". 

Also my guess is that whatever it stands for - it is located in England.  Joseph Gallagher is there from 01.09.1918 to 11.12.1918.

Joseph and Elizabeth's daughter was born on 31.07.1919.

So unless we question Elizabeth's fidelity....?? 

(Haven't gone there yet.)

[fisherj]

Thanks Jim for your comments.

So... am I right in understanding then that the "prefix" 3/A refers to where he was claiming is pension from.  And nothing at all to do (necessarily) with where he enlisted?

There are 2 other claim references - if that is what they are - on the pension index card.  Both prefaced with 11.  So I'm thinking that one of them might be because his address on discharge was 40 Southampton Street, Reading.  The other might be because the card shows the records moved to London in March 1921.

Is there anything I should be looking for on the sparsely filled in documents that would indicate where he signed up? 

Does the fact he joined the 65 Sq in Cambs on joining the RFC mean that he would have enlisted there?

But after 4 months in France and 2 months at RD - he was then at 25 TS in Norfolk. 

(All this seems so disconnected to me - Cambs...Norfolk...Berks?!)

I have learned that on

20.12.1915  The No 1 School of Instruction was established at Reading, Berks which became
20.10.1916  The No 1 School of Military Aeronatics which became
01.04.1918  The No 1 School of Aeronautics and moved to Cheltenham on
26.10.1918.

There was also a School of Technical Training (Men) at Coley Park, Reading, Berks

An interesting quote I read on line:

"The CWS jam factory at Coley Park, Reading was taken over on 21.07.1916 to train 500 fitters and riggers in addition to 300 officers.  Reading had previously been known as the School of Instruction."  From the Ground up:  A History of RAF Ground Crew by Fred Atkin

The RAF muster roll in 01.04.1918 classes Gallagher J 89314 as a "Fitter (Gen)" in both the RFC and the new formed RAF.  Though he was downgraded from 2nd to 3rd Air Mechanic.

Now...if only I could work out what 43 Stn stands for and link it with the Training School in Reading. 

Any observations would be gratefully received.

Many thanks for reading this complex long (probably repetitive) post.

[jim1]

You won't find any reference as to where he joined only when.
As he was invalided out it's quite possible that after a bout of trench fever & myalgia
he was deemed unfit for overseas service & posted back to the UK & the Regt. Depot
where he was re-classified B/2 or 3 therefore fit for home service only.
Posted to 25 TS Norfolk & then on to 45 Stn. where his condition deteriorated & unable
to do his regular job downgraded to AM 3 then eventually discharged.
Conjecture of course but a common scenario for men sent back as unfit.
Doesn't get you any closer to identifying 43 Stn. but certainly an establishment
similar to Reading.

[fisherj]

Thanks again Jim - that's helpful.

Unfortunately I reckon this is going to remain one of life's mysteries - despite the many hours that I have put into trying to get answers.

In the meantime, it has been interesting and moving to read up about the service these man gave this country.  I mean that sincerely.