Genealogy Chat

Yes - the service records are on Documents Online. Extract from the site: Royal Naval Division (1914 - 1919) You can now search and download 50,000 records of those who served in the Royal Naval Division during the First World War. Until now these records have only been available on microfiche in the Reading Room at The National Archives, Kew, Surrey. When the First World War began, the Reserves of the Royal Navy were found to have a surplus of thousands of sailors even though the warships were fully crewed. This war would be conducted mainly on land so there was an obvious solution. Reserves, reserve personnel from the Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Fleet Reserve and the Royal Naval Volunteer Reserve and a brigade of Royal Marines, Royal Navy and army personnel were brought together at Crystal Palace to form the Royal Naval Division (RND) in September 1914. The RND was commonly known as 'Winston's Little Army' because it was founded by Winston Churchill, First Lord of the Admiralty. The Royal Naval Division fought alongside the army but at first the Admiralty retained control. This contributed to tensions around the RND, as did their observance of naval traditions; for example, the RND used naval ranks, they flew the White EnsignLink to glossary - opens in a new window, they were allowed to grow beards and they remained seated during the toast to the King's health. The names of the battalionsLink to glossary - opens in a new window reflected naval history. Initially they were: * 1st Brigade: Collingwood, Hawke, Benbow, Drake * 2nd Brigade: Howe, Hood, Anson, Nelson * 3rd Brigade (Royal Marines): Portsmouth, Plymouth, Chatham, Deal The RND transferred to France in May 1916. The following month the Division was transferred to Army control. From this time they were known as the 63rd (Royal Naval) Division and they were supplemented by army battalions: * 188th Brigade: Anson, Howe, 1 and 2 (Royal Marine) Battalions * 189th Brigade: Drake, Hood, Nelson, Hawke * 190th Brigade: Honourable Artillery Company, 7 Battalion Royal Fusiliers, 4 Battalion Bedfordshire Regiment, 10 Battalion Royal Dublin Fusiliers The Royal Naval Division was demobilised in France in April 1919 after an inspection and an address by the Prince of Wales. In June 1919 the Division took part in its final parade and was disbanded.

I have just had an email from www.military-genealogy*com telling me that the RND casualties are now on line with information about service records etc. Mark