I have a Militia Attestation for the John Henry Blakeley, 5th Manchester Regiment, Registration No. 7363 or 7343. It is dated 27th December 1900 and he is living at 39 Carver Street, his family and home address. Age is 18 years and 8 months. On the statement of services it states he was attested Manchester Regiment on 19 March 1901 and the it reads like WO& 49 Days. He was a single man and his d.o. b. is 26 April 1882.
I assume that this means after his Militia Training with the 5th Regiment he was transferred to the Regular Army Manchester Regiment?
He was not present on the 1901 Census with his family but I found him on the 1901, with the 4th Regiment of the Manchester Regiment at Portland Dorset, John Blakeley age 18, Soldier, Born Manchester.
I read on the Forum, that the 4th Regiment was training soldiers for other Manchester Regiments as replacements, but although I have checked all available sites I cannot find him in the Regiment. There are several J, Blakeley's but not in the Manchester's and the one and only J.H. that I could find has been discounted. Does anyone know if the 4th Regiment placed their recruits in Regiments other than the Manchester's?
I would appreciate any help or advice, as I do believe that this John Henry Blakeley, is the same one as the John Henry Blakeley in WW1, WO 2 CSM 16 Battalion. No. 985. He later transferred to the Labour Corps CSM, but his medals were earned during service with this Battalion. I have his Medal Rolls, Medal Card but no other personal details apart from the photos. I know he was still alive in 1908, but I could not find him on the 1911 Census.
Thank you if you can help me in any way .
Pat