• Welcome to this forum . We are a worldwide group with a common interest in Birmingham and its history. While here, please follow a few simple rules. We ask that you respect other members, thank those who have helped you and please keep your contributions on-topic with the thread.

    We do hope you enjoy your visit. BHF Admin Team

Royal Warwickshire 1/6 Battalion

  • Thread starter Thread starter zoomer
  • Start date Start date
Z

zoomer

Guest
I need a little help...
My g/father Bernard (Jack) Purkiss enlisted into the RWR as a territorial in 1913 at Thorp St (I think; he was living around the Gt Brook St area) and was posted to the 6th Battalion as No. 2144
He was then embodied on 5th Aug 1914. Here the trail goes somewhat lukewarm.

Hayes records tell me his overseas service was in France from 22.03.15 to 16.01.17 but don't tell me where.

Also I know he was wounded as I have a photo with him wearing a wound stripe and also a photo of him wearing hospital blues. There is no record of this anywhere that I can find.

He was discharged on 02.02.1919 only to re-enlist with the Tigers the next day with whom he served until 1945.

I also have a picture of him with a cornet and drum as well as an photographic illustration from a book with him and the "goats" of the RWR.

I know this is a little long-winded but I am eager to find any info on the theatre of operations and more importantly the wound he received.

Thanking anyone and everyone in advance,
Zoomer
 
The 1/6th Royal Warwicks served in France during the period you mentioned. When I get more time I will give you a run down of their movements.

Terry

p.s Where did you get your info from. The Medal card Index on Ancestry does not give any dates i.e. 22/3/1915.
 
Back in 1993 I wrote to the MOD at Hayes and got quite a lot of info. However it was very matter-of-fact and they only gave me what I asked for if you know what I mean. They couldn't help me at all with the wound stripe/hospitalisation issue.
I think I was lucky because he went on to serve as a regular in the Tigers up until '45 and therefore his records do exist.

Thank you Terry for your offer; I would be very grateful for your time.

Cheers
Zoomer
 
I thought I'd upload these just in case...
a) anyone was interested
b) it helped anyone help me with my thread

The first picture (drummer) is dated "France" (Plug Sliet) 2.2.15 which is odd as I didn't think the 1/6th were in France as early as that.

The second picture has a date of 7 or could be 9 1914
The antelopes are named as Billy and Jenny.
I think my relative (Bernard Purkiss) is the second from right.
The writing is in pencil and obviously over 90 years old!
Again thanks in advance
 
Last edited by a moderator:
Zoomer
I have sent you a message on your profile page.
I am interested in the Warwicks. My Grandad was in the 1/8th. Terry Carter was a great help to me, thank you Terry!
I am always looking for pictures of Warwickshire soldiers. One day I just might find Grandad on one.
regards
Amanda
 
Two World Wars and service in between , what stories your grandad must have been able to tell. His army skills must have been in demand.
Please keep us posted, his history would be fascinating. What a great soldier, a dyed in the wool old sweat I mean that with great respect.
 
BTW the antelopes of the RWR spent most of the war in Regents Park Zoo in an enclosure next door to some bears of a Canadian unit.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top