Genealogy Chat

Can anyone help please? Commonwealth graves website has a memorial for Pte William George Franklin who died on 15 December 1917 who is buried in Charney Bassett Churchyard. He doesnt appear on the Roll of honour and his medal card just states Dead, Cannot find him on 1837.com but would love to know where or how he was killed.

Where have you looked on 1837 online? The normal GRO death indexes, or the 'War deaths' ones? Kate.

One of my greatuncles died at Passchendaele in 1917. I found out that he hadn't had a death certificate issued. I sent the GRO proof that he had died and eventually they sent me one - 87 years late! Yes, make sure you have looked at the right section of 1837. If it's not there, get your proof together and send it to GRO. I have discovered from the powers that be, that a handful of WW1 deaths are issued with death certificates every year!

The GRO records, am I going wrong?

Lynda, General Register Office .. I think! It's what 1837 online is based on. I see he was a Private in the 2nd Bn Royal Berkshire Regiment - have you checked out what they were doing in 1917? You might be able to deduce what he did during the War from sites like regiments(.)org or 1914-1918(.)net - and what ultimately might have led to his demise. Regs Annie

Lynda, all I was trying to say is that if his death isn't listed in the normal England and Wales death index on 1837 online, then try the various databases that they have in the 'Military' section, such as 'Soldiers died in the Great War' and 'Armed Forces Deaths'. Kate.

Some of the Berkshire Regimental war diaries can be viewed on line. http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/main.php3 Jennifer

If he was buried in the UK then that means he died in the UK - the policy at that time was NOT to repatriate remains. He may have died in an accident or from an illness. What is the 'Roll of Honour' you mention? Denis.

Have you actually been to Charney Bassett to see the gravestone? The inscription often says 'died of wounds' or 'died as the result of an accident'. The British War Graves site (google this or mail me and I'll send you the website address) does hold the photograph, so if you've not been to the cemetery, ask them to send you a copy. Jack

Or I'll go and have a look for you and take a shot! It's not that far from where I live, so just let me know. Jack

Thanks to you all for your suggestions, they have been a great help. Jack Sprat you are a star, but yes I have been to the grave as it is only a few miles from where I live. It just states date of death and his age, but when I was researching the MI for Charney in the Library it stated that his grave was marked with a wooden cross, so the CWG stone is fairly new. Dont know how I would have managed without all of the help from you all