Genealogy Chat

My great grandfather was a colour seargant of the west riding regiment residing at Whittingdon barracks lichfield staffordshire in 1907. I know he continued on with military service till he died in NZ in 1923. Where should I look to find out more about his service etc and I am having difficulty determining his birthplace etc but maybe if I can find out his military history this can help out. He wa born in the 1870's Thanks Michelle from NZ

Michelle, What was his name and when was he born? Rose

Michelle, If his service ended before 1921, his records may survive at the National Archives. Have a look at their website. They do offer a search and dispatch service for distant enquirers. I don't think it costs a lot, maybe someone else could comment on that. His records should tell you more about his service - where he served, for how long and his promotions - and also have a physical description, as well as details of next of kin. Good luck Annie

Hi Michelle The following is taken from www(.)regiments(.) org This site gives lots of info about British Army regiments: 881.07.01 2nd Battalion, The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding Regiment) 1881 Ireland: Curragh 1884 Tipperary 1885 England: ? 1886 Bermuda 1888 Nova Scotia: Halifax 1891 West Indies 1893 South Africa 1898 Burma: Rangoon 1902 India: Dinapore 1905 England: Lichfield 1909 Tidworth 1911 Ireland: Dublin 1914.08 France and Flanders 5 Div 1916.01 France and Flanders 4 Div 1919 England: Sheffield 1919 Ireland: Collinstown You should be able to obtain more info from the Regiment. Their HQ is in Halifax. you can get the details from the regiments.org site Hope this helps. Terry

His name has John Edward Packman born 1870's in england. I followed through with the National Archives info and requested the info. They came back saying very little info there. It was only 40p for the copy but 8 GBP to send to me so not worth it. So now I am stuck again. Any help as to where to now would be much appreciated

Michelle, It seems he was nominated for the Distinguished Conduct Medal - shown on the National Archives catalogue: WO 146/1/150 No. 3146 Serjeant John Edward Packman: 2nd Battalion, West Riding Regiment 1905 Apr. 15 As his service may have continued beyond 1921, his records may not be at the NA. What would be nice is if some other GR member is going to the National Archives and could look in the WW1 Soldiers' Service Records microfilms - these are listed in alphabetical order and do include the surname PACKMAN, but it's hard to say if your man is there. Regimental Diaries, also at the NA, may reveal more about what he and his unit were doing. NB: These do not usually mention personal names, but it would give you some background. I realise this is going to be hard as you're in NZ. As (eventually!) a Colour Sergeant, the lad was probably doing rather well! Regs Annie

Hello Michelle. I have a John Edward Packman born Rotherham 1st Qtr 1876 Vol 9c Page 659. Possibly shown in 1881 census as John A. Any use? :-) Keith