Help with 1914 star question please!

[andrewc]

Hi,

There obviously a lot of expertise on this forum...can you assist me in researching my great grandfather please. 

I've downloaded his WW1 medal roll card and it states:
William LANSLEY, 2/Manchesters, Pte, 9846, Victory Medal, British Medal and 1914 Star, qualifying date 11.09.14.  (also SWB list).

What I can't work out is his battalion - I seem to recall family members saying he was in the army pre-war - but does "2/Manchesters" mean "2nd battalion"?  Can I work back from the fact he was in France by Sept 1914? 

Can anyone shed any light?

Copy Medal Index attached!

[themonsstar]

Hi Andrew
And welcame to the site.

William shows on the Silver War Badge (SWB) list as.

9846
A/Cpl
Unit March Regt
Enlistment date 26/3/1904.
Discharge date 29/11/1917.
SWB No 326569

He moved overseas on the 9th Sept 1914, this could be as he may have been out of the Army, and was called up around the 4/5 Aug 1914? it was normal for a soldier to join up for  7 years. this would see him getting out around 1911 and then onto the Army reserved.

[sphinx]

Andrew,

In reply to your question he was in the 2nd Bn. and is entitled to the 1914 Star with clasp "5th Aug.-22nd Nov. 1914" for being under fire during the qualifying period.
The Rose mentioned on his MIC was to be worn on the medal ribbon bar when the medals were not worn.
He was further entitled to the British War Medal and Victory Medal.

regards

[andrewc]

Very interesting and informative responses! 

My grandmother was always quite rightly very proud of her father's war service - as am I.

Thanks for your help.