Hello From Another New Member

[mbalcomb]

Firstly, let me say how pleased I am to be a member of this forum. I joined to find out a little more about the regiment with which my Grandfather served during the Great War.

My family know little about him as he died when my father was only six. When I embarked upon my family research project about 5 years ago, I obtained his death certificate etc. and worked my way back up the genetic line. I am now at the stage where I am researching more about the lives of my ancestors. My Grandfather died of a diseased heart, which I discovered is common amongst men who fought in the trenches. This lead me to further research during which I discovered he did indeed fight in the war.

From his medal card, it seems that he would have served with the 2/7th Manchester Regiment as his service number was 53829. I am told that, although he was from Sussex, he would have been sent wherever the need was greatest. Sadly, his service record is one that didn't survive.

So, whatever I can find out about Private Albert John Balcombe adds massively to the little we know about him.

[mack]

pte albert,john balcombe lived at 1 prospect place,burwash,son of william,thomas and annie balcombe,born 9th november 1894,occupation butcher,he had two sisters ellen,elizabeth and lilian florence,his older brother was pte 47550 frederick,charles balcombe,13th royal scots,enlisted 8-7-1915 aged 21,occupation butcher,reported missing on 22-8-1917,a report from the germans stated that he had died of wounds to the upper arm+chest on 3-9-17 at the 55th german field hospital at iseghem,buried in iseghem communal cemetery extension,body re-interred in 1924/25 at harlebeke

in 1919 your grandfather lived at broads cottages,burwash,sussex

mack

[tonyrod]

hi , and welcome to the forum, try this link to the main site,
http://www.themanchesters.org/2-7th%20batt.htm, enjoy your stay,  tonyrod

[mbalcomb]

Mack and Tonyrod,

Thank you very much for your replies to my post. The paper on the 2/7th history is fascinating, and I find myself struggling to even start to imagine being part of the events described. I would give up on a camping holiday if it looked like rain!

Thank you for the information regarding Albert and Frederick. Unfortunately, they were my Grandfather's cousins, who lived in the same village and, I think, joined up slightly earlier than my Grandfather, who was younger than them. It seems my family weren't very imaginative when it came to naming their offspring, hence the two Alberts. The frequency of the name Albert has caused more than a little confusion to me over the years.

However, I am extremely grateful that you have taken the time to find out information for me and to provide me with such interesting, and sobering reading.

Martin

[themonsstar]

Hi Martin

Welcome to the site.

I'v attach his medal roll page 5146.

53829 Pte AJ.Balcombe

2/7th Bn Manchester Regt.

53829 Pte AJ.Balcombe

1/5th Bn Manchester Regt

As you can see at some point he was moved or posted for whatever reason to the 1/5th Battalion Manchester Regiment, I'm sure this is going to have a slight impact on your research.  But if you have any other questions, just post them and I'm sure someone should help you.

Best of luck with your research.

[tonyrod]

hi matin, the 1/5th Battalion
August 1914 : in Bank Chambers, Wigan. Part of Manchester Brigade, East Lancashire Division. Moved to near Rochdale.
25 September 1914 : landed at Alexandria in Egypt.
6 May 1915 : landed on Gallipoli.
26 May 1915 : formation became 127th Brigade, 42nd (East Lancashire) Division.
28 December 1915 : evacuated from Gallipoli, landed on Mudros and proceeded to Egypt.
2March 1917 : landed Marseilles and proceeded to the Western Front.

I would say its more than likely  he moved into the 1/5 any time after the 2 march 1917,
1/5th Bn Manchester Regt
http://www.themanchesters.org/5th%20batt.htm  hope this helps, tonyrod

[mbalcomb]

Hi themonsstar and Tonyrod,

Thank you very much for this. It is particularly useful information, because my next move was a trip to Kew and now it seems I need to look at the 5 battalion diary as well. Maybe more than a single trip. It is very nice to see some paperwork too.

I am very grateful for your help, and I am very much looking forward to telling my father a little about his Dad. I will be sure to mention the kind assistance given to me by members of this forum.

Martin