received this email from Capt O'Leary today. i'm a very chuffed researcher now and do love the help everyone has given me. this really isn't easy trying to collate this from Vegas but a huge thanks to everyone that has helped.
Good morning Cpl Davies,
As luck would have it, I happen to have transcribed the details of the Manchester Draft enlistments from the regimental ledger in which they are recorded before our Museum put everything in storage prior to renovations. John Viner was certainly a soldier of the Manchester Draft, and I have following details on him:
Regt No - 9175
Surname - Vines
Given Names - John
Attestation Date - 12 Jan 1907
Attestation Age (years) - 19
Attestation Place - Ashton Under Lyne
Trade - Labourer
Birthplace - Birmingham, England
Discharge - Date - 11 Jan 1910
Discharge - Place - Halifax, NS
Discharge - Cause - Time Expired
Rank - Pte
Character - Very Good
Viners most likely remained in Halifax throughout the three years of his service in Canada. The majority of The Royal Canadian Regiment was stationed there during that period, with four Companies in separate stations. Sine The RCR consisted of a single battalion, Your reference to "A Coy, 3rd Battalion" is most likely from his Manchester Regiment service.
Unfortunately, individual service records from that era were not maintained as we know them from the World Wars or today, and these notes are likely the only record the Regiment would have on John Vines' service in Canada.
I wish you luck with your ongoing research.
Michael O'Leary
Captain; The RCR
My query about his company was down to John Viner being married in Nova Scotia, his discharge being carried out there and in the section on the Manchester Draft, people still in Canada were with A coy in Nova Scotia. a bit of guess work but i shall have to dig a little deeper!!
Nearly got the entire WW1 Manchester Regt Family history finished. just need to get posted home and visit the museum soon to see if they have anything.
Thanks again to all who've helped me
Rhys
