Genealogy Chat

I have just obtained my mother `s birth certificate April 1916,( as she only ever had the shortened version.)Under occupation of father, it says coal haulier, now my grandfather was in Ypres in 1916,so I assumed it would have stated army for occupation at the date of birth.Am I right? Or was he conscripted after April perhaps.Could someone enlighten me please.? Gwyn

I don't know what the norm is - but on one of my uncle's birth certificates, it has his father's occupation as 'Boot and Shoe Factory Hand' then his army details and regiment next to that. He was not in England at the time of the birth. Have you had a look to see if he is on the national archives to download his campaign medal. Gail.

Thank you Gail,yes,Ihave got his two campaign medals.I think they started to conscript in 1916,he was 36 then,but perhaps he was conscripted after the April.I know he was in the trenches in September as I have a card he sent my mother dated Sept.1916. Regards Gwyn

Thank you Bryan,I did not know what month they started conscripion, so it was Feb. for single men,well as he had 6 children and knowing him,I am pretty certain he would not have been a volunteer. The idea of taking another life would have been appalling to him. So it was after feb they must have brought in conscription for married men. Mind you I can imagine myGran (who was the informant on the certificate) saying he was a coal haulier and not stating he was in the army! It would not have occured to her to mention this. He was a stretcher bearer, do you know if he could volunteer for this or were they told what to do? Gwyn

By the end of 1916 they were conscripting anyone who could stand up unaided! Just a thought though...I would have thought a coal haulier was a reserved occupation, even during WW1? It isnt really the sort of job a woman could do, or even a disabled man, come to that. Anyone know? OC

Thanks O.C. and Bryan, much appreciated. Gwyn