Pte. William Metcalfe

[Tonyf456]

Hello,
I am trying to find information about my Great Uncle, William Metcalfe ( no middle name), who served with the manchester regiment in ww1, looking through the medal records on ancestry, I have found 2 pte. William Metcalfes, nos. 245230 and 245457, so am unsure which is my uncle Bill. Here's what I do know, he was born in 1898, place of birth on the 1901 census is Brimfield, yorkshire, place of residence 1901 was Arncliffe, hawkswick, yorkshire.
From tales handed down from my father, I believe he served as an officers batman, the officer being killed at some point, Bill survived the war and died in 1971.
Any help/ tips where to find out more appreciated, thanks.

[Timberman]

 Hi Tony
 Welcome to the forum.

 I think the William Metcalfe service number 245457 who served in the 20th Bn
 is the right one, as William Metcalfe 245230 who served in the 18th and 1/6th Bn,
 was killed in action. The following is his listing on soldiers that died.

 Name:   William Metcalfe
 Death Date:   20 Oct 1918
 Death Place:   France and Flanders
 Enlistment Place:   Lancaster
 Rank:   Private
 Regiment:   Manchester Regiment
 Battalion:   1st 6th Battalion
 Regimental Number:   245230
 Type of Casualty:   Killed in action
 Theatre of War:   Western European Theatre

 I did find another William Metcalfe but he was discharged due to being deaf
 and would not make an efficient soldier.

 Hope this helps   
 Timberman

[Tonyf456]

Thank you, that is useful, I will look at the war diaries.
I realise his service record is probably lost, is there likely to be any other source of information about him.

Thanks
Tony

[Tim Bell]

Hi Tony,
I would also guess at 245547 being the right man.This was part of a number block allocated to 5th Bn in 1917 but he may have trained with another Territorial Bn prior to overseas service with 20th (Service / Pals) Bn after 1915.  Most likely William was conscripted.
It's always a shame when key records are lost. Let us know if you discover anything else.
Welcome to the forum.
Tim

[Tonyf456]

Thanks for that Tim, I will see what else I can find out.

Regards
Tony