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Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:01
by Tina
I've finally found the elusive William Gaffney, bn 1888 Garston.
He was his folks in 1891 St Helens & his Dad in 1901.
His mother was in Rainhill, she tried to overlay a baby, not sure if she smothered the child.
In 1911 Wm is a gunner with No.5 Mountain Battery
Royal Garrison Artillery in Jutogh India.
Well, I've never heard of the place so had to Google.
Nearby is Simla, this I remember from novels when the ladies left the heat of Delhi for the hills.
I've found so much interesting info about the RGA.
Next is to find them in WW1.
You live and learn hey?
Tina
Posted: 18 Mar 2011 09:49
by daggers
Good morning, Tina, almost spring-like here for a few moments, anyway.
There are four medal index cards for 'William Gaffney' on the National Archives site, but they cost. I think you have Anc..., so you should be able to get them free.
Medal card of Gaffney, William J
Corps: Royal Field Artillery
Regiment No: 85093
Rank: Acting Bombardier...
1914-1920 WO 372/7
Medal card of Gaffney, William
Corps: Royal Garrison Artillery
Regiment No: 24604
Rank: Gunner...
1914-1920 WO 372/7
Medal card of Gaffney, William
Corps: Royal Horse Artillery
Regiment No: 214777
Rank: Gunner
1914-1920 WO 372/7
Medal card of Gaffney, William
Corps: Royal Garrison Artillery
Regiment No: 194985
Rank: Gunner
1914-1920 WO 372/7
With their regimental numbers you may be able to get at service records, also on Anc, if they are among the 1/3 which survived the blitz.
There is always a chance that he did not serve in France/Flanders, but remained in India, as there was a strong presence there throughout the war.
Good hunting!
D
Posted: 18 Mar 2011 10:23
by MaryA
Great result Tina and help from "the Prof" also
If you don't have the full Ancestry our Teen, let me know and I'll see if I can help find anything.
Posted: 18 Mar 2011 12:57
by daggers
QUOTE: "the Prof"
REPLY: Haha! You should see my census form [though you have to wait another 100 years].
The mountain batteries were an interesting, small part of the Royal Artillery, with guns that could be broken down for transport by mule - very useful in places like the Khyber Pass.
D
Posted: 20 Mar 2011 07:30
by Tina
Many thanks to The Prof
and Mary for lovely comments and wonderful information.
I'll go back into Anc and have a squizz and for sure, if I need help I will sing out.
Interesting about the mules & Khyber Pass.
My Ed was given a carving set, handed down in the family, which, they said came from India. It's not the original hallmarked version I found on the Net made in England but a copy which apparently they mass produced in India, using the blades made in Sheffield.
Anyway, it's the best thing since sliced bread. Ed loves waving the blade around before carving the turkey. On both sides of his tree, Wm is the first one I've found in India.
Thanks again maties.
Tina
Posted: 20 Mar 2011 07:43
by daggers