Transfers to other Regiments 1918

[derek117]

Hi, just joined this site after a new discovery by the East Lancs site organiser. My father was 31546 Pte Alfred E Roberts and he was taken prisoner in April 1918 whilst with the 11th East Lancs. It now emerges that 31545 and 31547 were both killed in action at that time but they were both transfers from the Manchesters where they held the numbers 63025 and 63027. It seems highly likely that my father was therefore 63026. I had no idea that he was ever with the Manchester Regiment and would appreciate any help on how and why etc, Derek117.

[Charmed1234]

Hi Derek117, I have found Alfred's Medal Index Card on Ancestry and it only show him as being in the East Lancashire regiment. Here is the card in case you haven't seen it.

[timberman]

Hi Derek117
Welcome to the group.

As the medal card shows he is only listed with the East Lancs. It is possible he transfered before he went over seas, I've looked under the service number 63026 and nothing comes up for the Manchester's


Timberman

[harribobs]

Hi Derek

i suspect he might have been in the Manchesters Training battalion then when he was ready to go abroad the East Lancs were more in need of men, therefore he was transferred to them ( along with his mates)

chris

[timberman]

Hi Derek

Do you know where he lived when he joined?
Found several A.E.Roberts, 4 in the Pals Battalions non with that number. 1 that was at the Manchester Grammer School and 1 that worked for the Manchester ship canal. 1 in the 11thBn and the MGC.
So nothing to link them to your father.
Timberman

[derek117]

Hi, further to my search for a connection to the Manchesters for Alfred Edward Roberts -he was born April 1899 -in Llanfairfechan - I think the Manchesters did some training ther but he would have been too young at that time (unless he lied).
Can anyone trace the issue dates for the 6302* series ? his East Lancs number 31546 was in a batch issued in early 1918. Thanks for your help, Derek

[harribobs]

all i can say is they are probably 1917 numbers

chris

[derek117]

Further to this search I now have the names to go with the numbers of the two men on either side of Alfred Edward Roberts - In the East Lancs numbers they were 31545 James Albert Pilkington(previously 63025) and 31547 Frank Rowe(previously 63027) both were transfers from the Manchesters - and both are recorded as Killed in Action at the battle of the Lys on the 12th April 1918 whilst serving with the 11th East Lancs.
As my father was 31546 it seems (logical?) that he may have been (63026) and in the same transfer draft?
Do the names throw any new light on this for anyone?

derek117.