Find Ancestors

Have you been to The Great War Forum? There are alot of helpful people there.

Hi Mary

Do you know how complete these records are? I have been searching for sometime for more information on my grandfather's brother Joseph Loftus who was killed in action at the battle of Ypres in 1917. Joseph joined the Princess Louise's Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders (S/10249) in Glasgow but was born in Tipperary in Ireland and I have been trying to find out what date he joined.

The last letter he wrote was to my grandfather and it was found in his army tunic. The family story is that this was how his body was identified.

Many thanks for trying Ann. I appreciate your efforts on my behalf.

Sorry Margaret - he doesn't appear to be on Ancestry. There is another series of records at Kew (not online), so there's a small chance his records could be there. Lots were destroyed in WW2 bombing, though.

No Ann - the book was really a dedication to all local lads who fought in WW1 - the only info was that he was wounded in France. He was born I believe 1896 probably Annitsford, Northumberland. His two elder sisters were born Annitsford in 1889 and 1891. Thanks for your help.

Margaret - I need year of birth, and where he was born, if you know. Did the book you mention give his service number?

Sorry for the confusion Ann. Thomas' parents were Thomas Davison and Elizabeth. They lived in either Netherton or Annitsford (not sure when they moved to Netherton). There is a mention of Thomas in the Miners Chapel' housed within St. Cuthberts Church, Bedlington, Northumberland. This chapel has a book which lists all those from the surrounding area who fought in WW1, both the survivors and those who died. Bedlington is very near Netherton. Thomas had a friend Richard Corby who was also mentioned in the book. Thomas' brother James would probably have been too young to have been involved. Any info you may be able to find would be greatly appreciated.

Yes, Margaret, I realised that he hadn't died in the war, as I said in my post! If you can give the details I asked for, I might be able to find his records on Ancestry. The records are only for those discharged to pension, and by no means all have survived.

Thanks for that Ann but Thomas didn't die from his injuries. I was hoping to find details like Mary (above) did - like his height, eye colour, etc. plus accurate info re his injuries. Thank you anyway

Commonwealth war graves site is free - you can just search by name. There are quite a few Thomas Davisons, but you should be able to narrow it down, as age is usually given, and next of kin details may be given. Just realised that a second person had posted a question regarding Thomas Davison, who it sounds like, didn't die in the war. He may be on Ancestry if he was wounded. Can you give his year of birth and place of birth, and any details of next of kin?

Is this a free search please? I am wanting to find out more about Thomas Davison who was in the Army during WW1 and was injured in France. Family 'story' indicatea that he had a steel plate inserted in his head but I do not know if this is accurate or not. He lived in Netherton, Northumberland so I would imagine he was in either the Northumberland Fusiliers or the Durham Light Infantry. How do I go about finding out?

Thanks Mary for that info

The National Archives have the medal rolls for WW1, I found out what my grandfather and 2 of his brothers won. Also found my grandfather's service records from the time he first enlisted. Had all kinds of family information there, as well as personal information of what he looked like, scars etc. until he was killed on the field of battle. Fascinating stuff!
Regards, Mary

Thanks for that information

Thanks for that information

Try CWGC
I have turned up a few of mine and with additional information too. Joan

Which is the best site for the war dead,which is free or not to expensive.