What does it mean?

Post by **PhilBurtt** » 15 Nov 2011 16:36

I have been tracing my great uncle and according to his medal card he was in the Army Cycling Corp & the Royal Flying Corp. However on his marriage cert. in 1915, his occupation is "Sub Lietutenant 16 DLI or 1and on his son Peter's birth cert. in 1919 (Peter was born on the SS Maheno in the Tasman Sea) his occupation is "Lieutenant R.A.Y"
Does any one what 16 DLI(1) or R.A.Y are? As far as I know he had left the forces beforegoing abroad and had no connection with Durham.

Member No 8158

Post by **daggers** » 15 Nov 2011 17:38

16 DLI [not 1] could be 16th Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. That battalion was formed during WW1 but did not fight but acted as reserves in UK.
If it was "1/6th Battalion" it would be a territorial unit, part timers until called up for war service, based at Bishop Auckland. Your "1" in brackets does not mean anything to me.
The army did not have sub lieutenants, which was a naval rank. Perhaps Second Lieutenant?
In wartime there was little connection between a man's birthplace or residence and the regiment he served in, once the regular army's losses began to count and reserves were called in.
It would help if you could let us have a name and initials, and if you can manage to post them here, copies of what you have.
PS I have just re-read your message: could "RAY" really read "RAF", which would fit with the earlier Royal Flying Corps. RFC changed to RAF in April 1918.
Daggers.

Post by **PhilBurtt** » 18 Nov 2011 15:18

Thanks Daggers - the RAY was type written but could have been a typist error and no one checked?

M No 8158

Post by **PhilBurtt** » 18 Nov 2011 15:58

Daggers - as you suggested - I have downloaded part of the marriage cert. for you to see

Many Thanks

Post by **daggers** » 18 Nov 2011 16:18

Phil
That 'Sub' is clear enough, but I still think it is an error by the vicar or his clerk!
If you post a bit more about his name and where you have looked, we may be able to think more about it.
D