... learn!!
Before Mum died I had started tracing my family tree (getting side-tracked along the way - lol!!) and had been progressing quite well - really well actually - and had invested in paid memberships to Ancestry and Genes Reunited. Then she died and I lost interest in continuing so, since April, I haven't done any more and effectively I've wasted 9 months of an annual membership (it runs out next week) and a good half of another. Anyway, I've recently had contact from somebody in the US, via Genes Reunited, who turns out to be a distant relative on Mum's side. Have to say it's jolted me into action again - well, a little bit at least and, while not feeling well, it's given me something to concentrate on and something to do when I've felt like it.
Way back in the blog are photo's of Pip, Squeak and Wilfred which were earnt by my paternal Grandad and I can now add a little more to his story 'cos I've found his WWI records! I knew he'd been a member of the Territorial Force (TA as it is nowadays) and had served his war years with them both in France and in Egypt but I've now found out that he enlisted in the TF some years before WWI. In fact, he was amongst the first to join the TF. The Territorial Force was formed on 1st April 1908 (it celebrated it's centenary last year - 2008) and he signed up on 15th June 1908 aged 17 years and 9months ................... except he wasn't! I know lads lied about their age to join up when they wanted to go away to war but I didn't realise that they lied to sign up anyway - doh!! Grandad was born 24th September 1892 which made him 15 years and 9 months old when he enlisted! They obviously, in those days, didn't need to supply proof of age by way of a birth certificate and their word was good enough. What sort of proof do they have to supply today I wonder. Can't see today's Army just taking your word for it....
Amongst his service records (all 40 odd pages of them) are the receipts he signed for all his medals, including the TFE (Territorial Force Efficiency medal) which I've not found. Seems odd that the other 3 have been found but not that one. I know I can get a copy but it won't have the pattina of the others so not sure whether to replace it or not. Will have to think on that one.
Thanks for dropping by .....
Before Mum died I had started tracing my family tree (getting side-tracked along the way - lol!!) and had been progressing quite well - really well actually - and had invested in paid memberships to Ancestry and Genes Reunited. Then she died and I lost interest in continuing so, since April, I haven't done any more and effectively I've wasted 9 months of an annual membership (it runs out next week) and a good half of another. Anyway, I've recently had contact from somebody in the US, via Genes Reunited, who turns out to be a distant relative on Mum's side. Have to say it's jolted me into action again - well, a little bit at least and, while not feeling well, it's given me something to concentrate on and something to do when I've felt like it.
Way back in the blog are photo's of Pip, Squeak and Wilfred which were earnt by my paternal Grandad and I can now add a little more to his story 'cos I've found his WWI records! I knew he'd been a member of the Territorial Force (TA as it is nowadays) and had served his war years with them both in France and in Egypt but I've now found out that he enlisted in the TF some years before WWI. In fact, he was amongst the first to join the TF. The Territorial Force was formed on 1st April 1908 (it celebrated it's centenary last year - 2008) and he signed up on 15th June 1908 aged 17 years and 9months ................... except he wasn't! I know lads lied about their age to join up when they wanted to go away to war but I didn't realise that they lied to sign up anyway - doh!! Grandad was born 24th September 1892 which made him 15 years and 9 months old when he enlisted! They obviously, in those days, didn't need to supply proof of age by way of a birth certificate and their word was good enough. What sort of proof do they have to supply today I wonder. Can't see today's Army just taking your word for it....
Amongst his service records (all 40 odd pages of them) are the receipts he signed for all his medals, including the TFE (Territorial Force Efficiency medal) which I've not found. Seems odd that the other 3 have been found but not that one. I know I can get a copy but it won't have the pattina of the others so not sure whether to replace it or not. Will have to think on that one.
Thanks for dropping by .....
2 comments:
So glad you are back doing your Family Tree Pam. It surprises me that in the early1900s they lied about their ages so much. they must have been alot more mature than todays youth.
Sylv xx
It's certainly worth while doing Pam. I just started this year too for my mum and dad's side of the family and found a long lost cousin in New Zealand. Can't tell how excited I felt when we started to email each other. [we share a great grandfather].
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