I have for some time been researching my paternal grandfathers's war service, trying to piece together family anecdotes and known facts. His full name was Charles Reginald MAPP, born 1899 in Bayston Hill, Shrewsbury. It is believed he joined up at the start of WW1, having lied about his age. He spoke of Tipperary, physical training in a gymnasium on "the hoops", sleeping in hammocks and sea-sickness on the boats to France. I also have postcards of prisoner of war camps in Germany from him (not written or posted); and it is believed he was in Cologne at the end of his service. The only certain fact I have found is that he served with the 1st Battalion between 1917-1919; this is from his Home Guard records for WW2. His KSLI service number was 43198, so I suspect he joined them fairly late on in the war. He also has a Welsh Regiment service number 66928. The "grey area" is where was he between 1914-1917? I have looked at regimental photographs, and their is a very strong likeness to a soldier of the 4th Battalion - so I'm not sure if one battalion supplied another? Similarly, what might the connection with The Welsh Regiment be? I would welcome any thoughts, comments or suggestions to assist me with more research. Many thanks.
Hi,
Take care when searching military records for your grandfather. There are several records for individuals with the name Charles MAPP, including another Charles Reginald MAPP who was killed in action in France in 1917.
The record that Pete mentions above can also be found on the Ancestry subscription website. It states that Charles Reginald MAPP was awarded the British War and Victory medals and that he was in the Welch Regiment and the 1st Batallion KSLI and Infantry Base Depot. Interestingly I have not found a record for him being awarded the Star Medal, which could imply he did not see active service on foreign soil.
Unfortunately I have not been able to find any WWI Service or Pension records for him.
Regards
Phil
Many thanks for the replies.
I have a copy of his medal index card from Ancestry, which indeed just shows the British War and Victory Medals.
I have his medals, and both are engraved with his KSLI Service Number, rank Private and his name. I also have two 'dog tags', a circular one and a hexagonal one, both stamped with his Welsh Regiment Service Number. Both have "C.E" stamped under his name - presumably Church of England?
Many thanks again for replies.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Hi NPMAPP,
If you search The National Archives site WW1 medal index card list section, you will find him there listed in both the KSLI and the Welsh regiment, it will cost you £3.50 to download the image but it will be worth it if it will solve your missing years problem.
hopr this helps
Pete.