Percy Robert BakeR

[Bevbaker]

Hello, and thank you for accepting me!

I am researching the war time history of my grandfather, Percy Robert Baker. 
He was 18 when he enlisted on 10th May 1916, he arrived at the 30th Infantry Brigade Depot on 5th March 1917 before being transferred to the 22nd Bn Manchesters by the 24th March, and was posted in the Somme.  He then went on to serve with the battalion in Italy following the "Burnt Records" I find regarding him.

Can anyone help me with more information?  Where in Italy was he posted?  How long for? Where they better off than in the Somme?   Which ship took him there?  All information would be much appreciated to enable me to understand what such a young generation of boys endured during these hard times. 
My grandfather didn't like speaking much.  He was a very reserved man, and with time I am starting to see that the war definitely had its part of responsibility.  I feel I owe it to him - and his pals- to try to understand more...

So that you for any help you can provide me with! 

[Timberman]

Hi Bevbaker

Welcome to the forum.

There is a book on the 22nd Battalion called.

The 22nd Battalion Manchester Regiment
By
Alastair Cowan
£14.50

You can find it for sale at this link

https://www.tameside.gov.uk/MuseumsandGalleries/Museum-of-the-Manchester-Regiment-Publications

It's the web site of the Museum of the Manchester Regiment
 
and it's the Publications for Sale.

I hope this is of some use to you

Neil

[Bevbaker]

Thank you for this Neil!  Very helpful indeed!

[Tim Bell]

Hi Bev,
The 3rd image caught my attention with a non Royal Field Artillery RFA or Manchesters Cap Badge.  I think this is King's Liverpool Regiment (KLR).
The timeline I've looked at shows:-
11/5/1916 Attested 119196 RFA aged 18 y 5m. I don't know if he was conscripted.
7/10/1916 Mobilised
8/10/1916 Posted to RFA or possibly 15th KLR
25/11/1916 Compulsary transfer to 49th Training Reserve Bttn - formerly 15th KLR. 49 shown on Service Record.
4/3/1917 Compulsary transfer - probably Manchester Regiment 49196
15/3/1917 BEF
You seem to have a handle on the rest.
Hope this helps and welcome to the forum.
Tim

[Bevbaker]

Hello Tim!  Thank you for your reply! 
My grandad told me that he has enrolled because he desperately wanted to escape from a very difficult family situation.  He said that everyone thought it would soon be over, but how wrong was he!

You have provided me with some more information.  I had no idea about the LKR.  I'll look it up.

Best regards!

Bev