Heroes Of Our Time

Private

James Neils Anderson

73301

Royal Welsh Fusiliers

 

2nd Battalion

16th Battalion

 

 

Initial Research

 

In 1916 2nd Battalion was with 19 Infantry Brigade of 33 Division, and 16 Battalion 115 Infantry Brigade of 38 Division

 

 

Looking at his medal roll and men with similar Royal Welsh Fusiliers service numbers, you find them in surname alphabetical order, indicative of men being re-numbered at the same time and place. The series goes from at least 73298 Airey to 73499 Wood, so circa 200 men.

 

So looking for service records of other men within this number range shows a pattern of movements which would possibly mirror those for Private Anderson

 

A quick look shows these were young men (18 year olds) being called up to training reserve battalions but then posted to the Royal Welsh Fusiliers upon being sent to the British Expeditionary Force at 5th Infantry Base Depot on 30/10/1917, posted to 2/RWF on 01/11/1917 and joining them in the field on 11/11/1917

 

 

Medals

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Records

 

UK, WWI Service Medal and Award Rolls, 1914-1920

 

 

 

British Army WWI Medal Rolls Index Cards,1914-1920