Hi
My name is Pat. I have been researching my family history for decades and have, recently, had success tracing six great uncles who served in WW1.
My first query is about my great uncle
Thomas Harding (born 1896, West Gorton) Family stories say he was
killed in action in WW1 but I have had no success tracing any mention of him on any site I've visited. Would he have been mentioned in a local newspaper? Unfortunately, I have no idea which Regiment he served with or when (if) he was killed.
My second query is about my great uncle
James Alfred Ryder (born 1886, Ancoats). I
think I have found him on Wargraves

but how can I be sure that this is my uncle? He is living with his mother, Sarah Ann (widow), sister Gertrude and brother Thomas on the 1901 census. I have found a James Alfred living with wife Julia and children in 1911. There is a brother, John (18) living with them, but no Thomas. Sister Gertrude (my grandmother) was married and living not far away with her in-laws which would suggest that mother was dead (I can find no trace of Thomas or Sarah Ann on the 1911 census). I have ordered a marriage certificate for James Alfred and Julia which I am hoping will confirm that this is my great uncle. If it is, where would I find more details about his service? I can find nothing in the Service/Pension records.
I have had more success with my father's uncle
William Mooney, who was with the 13th Manchesters - 9409. His papers tell me he was wounded on October 10th 1918. Could anyone tell me where the 13th Manchesters were in October 1918.
I am also looking for information on my great uncle George Elphick, who was with the Liverpool Regiment - 25995, and was wounded in 1916 at the first Somme Offensive. Could anyone tell me where I might find any? I have his medal card and a citation in the Manchester Roll of Honour book but can find nothing more.
Thank you in advance for any help. I had always wondered why it was that there was only 1 family member (my mother's uncle Thomas Harding) who had served in WW1. Now, thanks to the internet, I have found six great uncles.