Pre-WWI 5th Manchesters service records

[greenhalgh_j]

Hi,

Before my Great Grandfather enlisted in Australia for WWI he lived in Eccles and his service record mentioned that he was a member of the 5th Manchesters for 2 years. Based on the research I have done, I assume he would have joined in 1908 in Wigan when the territorials were formed and left in 1910 (he left for Australia in September that year). I was wondering how much information there would be on him - his name was Thomas (sometimes Thos) Greenhalgh and was born in about 1890. I have attached the relevant page of his service records. Under the section that asks if he has been a member of any other defence force it says something about the 5th Manchesters - I can't read the rest. Any assistance you could provide would be appreciated. We don't have a lot of information on him from his early years, so any information or poke in the right direction would be great.

Thanks!

[sphinx]

Hello,

It says "2 years V. Battalion 5th Manchesters"

Before the Territorial Force was formed in 1908 it was the Volunteer Force and the 5th VB Manchesters was at Ardwick.

However, as he seems to be from Eccles and his next of kin in Patricroft I would be inclined to lean towards the 5th (TF) BN rather than the 5th VB.  I think the Aussie filling in the form would have no idea of the difference between a Vol Bn and a Territorial Bn and that the 'V' he has but can be taken with a pinch of salt.

He wouldnt have enlisted in Wigan, the 5th (TF) BN also had Companies at Patricroft which is where he would have served his 2 years.

Hope that helps.

regards

[george.theshed197]

Hi there,
The 5th  VB were based in the Old VB Barracks which was still in existence until  qbout 1945 on Chadwick Road, Patricroft  and  then it became the Eccles Boys Boxing Club which later on produced many champions over the years. Most of the old Memorials for South Africa were then moved to other local venues. It was due to be demolished a few years back toe be replaced by flats.

Sphinx, many of those old Australian Volunteer units were later absorbed into The CMF  (Reserve Forces.
Cheers,
George

[sphinx]

George,

You are confusing the issue.
The 5th VB were at Ardwick as my previous post.  They are nothing to do with the 5th (TF) Bn which used to be the 1st VB and had some companies at Patricroft.

regards

[george.theshed197]

Hi Sphinx
Apols. seems I inadvertently omitted (TF) -
George

[greenhalgh_j]

Hi Sphinx/George,

Thanks so much for your replies and the great information. So, based on what you are saying, according to this page - http://www.themanchesters.org/5th%20batt.htm - he would have been in "F Company". I guess that makes sense. Do you know if there would be any records available in the archives about him? From what I have read, the records of volunteers are not very extensive like the regular army...

Thanks,
John

[sphinx]

Hello,

The Regimental Archives dont contain any personal records I'm afraid.
They do hold personal poapers, letters, photos etc so its worth dropping them an email to run his name through the system but its a very small chance there will be anything.

regards

[greenhalgh_j]

Ok, I'll certainly do that. Thanks for your help guys.

[Gingerfreak]

@greenhalgh_j
 I have a database and written notes on the Volunteers and the 1/5th. This contains a list of soldiers, Officers and thier service details. It also contains promotions and who replaced whom and when.  I also have copies of the orders, articles on camps and changes to the unit starting from 1859 and finishing at 1920. The information is from local regional, national and military newspapers and all of the military documents avaiilable on Ancestry and FindMyPast. I also have a complete list of Volunteer Long Service Medals and TFEM medals from the mid 1880's up to 1914.
From my database, If Thomas Greenhalgh enlisted in the Australian Force in 1915, and two years previously he was with the 1/5th Manchesters, his service number will fall between 1490 and 1750. I have 1517 as enlsiting on 13th Feb 1913 and 1743 enlisted on 23rd Dec 1913. Eccles was F Company. It was based at Patricroft Drill Hall (now demolished). Before 1908, G & K Companies were based here.
I do not have a Thomas Greenhalgh in this database, so he is probably one of my 'missing numbers'. However, there is a William Greenhalgh who joined the Leigh detachment. This was H company. If I come across any information I'll let you know.