WWI Research

[mckenzieclan]

Hello all,

I was wondering if someone would have some infomaation that could help me...

I am researching my gr. grand-father's WWI service history.

All I know is taken froma short biography writtend about him upon his retirement. It states that he enlisted in 1914, served in the machine gun corps, and fought at Ypes, Hill 60, and Mons

Now, I know he didn't serve in the MGC in 1914, as they were not created until 1915. It is unlikely that he enlisted in 1914, as I have marriage records showing he was married in 1915.

What I amtrying to narrow down is likely regiments he would have enlisted in. He was living in Stevenston at the outbreak of WWI and would have been 18 years of age.

I have searched on ancestry.com, but without a regiment to start at, there were quite a few Alexander McKenzies...

Almost forgot, his name was Alexander McKenzie, born 1896 and emmigrated to canada in 1925.

Thanks for any tips..

Regards,

Scott McKenzie
Morewood, Ontario.
Canada

[little plum]

Hi Scott, I suggest you contact the army service records which is based in Glasgow. They have a web site, search service records army, Glasgow. I don't know how far back these records go and there is a small fee for any research undertaken on your behalf.

[Ann]

Hi Scott,
What were the name of his parents and spouse?
Ann

[mckenzieclan]

Hi Ann,

Father: Robert Miller McKenzie
Mother: Elizabeth Cringle

Spouse: Jessie McCullough

Scott

[Ann]

Hi Scott,
Here are a few possible reg. numbers for "Alexander Mckenzie" MGC.
#1846/24511
#3227/130931
#266061/141791
#1582/23251
#1846/24511
S/2954/17361
#31694/156629
#118993
#35422
#85802
#10616/19261
#1448/24785
#2304
It is quite possible he enlisted in 1914 in another regiment and then was transferred to the MGC after. That is why there are 2 reg. numbers listed.
I would have had a look at these for you but I am having some trouble with my computer. I found these numbers on A******y.
There is also a website http://www.1914-1918.net" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; with a lot of very helpful people.
Ann

[mckenzieclan]

Thanks Ann,

I spent a few days looking through information on Ancestry, and also posted on the great war forum.

It was on that forum they suggested I try to determine what regiment it was likely he enlisted in.

It is my understanding that regiments historically drew from specific geographic regions.

Maybe I am wrong on this.

I was hoping that someone here would know some details as to what regiments were formed from men in this region during WWI

Scott

[canfactory]

Hi Scott

It may not be too much help by my grandfather was from Dalry and he was posted to the Manchester Regiment in WW1. I am sure he told me that he had no choice. Whichever unit needed men at the time got the intake.

[mckenzieclan]

Thanks for the help everyone...

The onlyother information I obtained was from my grandfather this weekend.

Still reluctant to discuss service (especially with 11/11 coming I think)

He says he definitely cannot remember any regimental information about his father's WWI service, but he says he was in two units, and he remembers a picture of his father in uniform, with riding outfit on, carrying a riding crop. Adding that he was a mounted machine gunner.

Not sure where this will lead me, but again tahnks to all who have posted, or offered help.

Scott

[Ann]

Hi Scott,
The only Alexander Mckenzie I can find that may match the description was a Private Alexander Mckenzie 1/1 Scottish Highlanders. - Machine Gun Corp Cavalry # 3227/130931.
In WW1 the cavalry did have 1 or 2 machine guns carried by a team of horses and cart.
Ann

[Ann]

Also Scott,
This may be of some interest if this is your man.
The Ayrshire Yeomanry
1/1st
August 1914 - in Ayrshire, part of the Lowland Mounted Brigade
September 1915 - moved as dismounted troops to Gallipoli
11 October - attached to the 52nd Lowland Division
February 1916 - Brigade transferred to the 1st dismounted Brigade, which was broken up 16 October 1916. Regiment moved to 2nd dismounted Brigade.
January 1917 - with the Lanarkshire Yeomanry formed the 12th Ayr and Lanrk Yeomanry Batallion the Royal Scots Fusiliers. Placed under orders of the 229th Brigade in the 74th (Yeomanry) Divison
21 June 1918 moved to the 94th Brigade, 31st Division.

Engagements
1917
Second battle of Gaza - 17-19 April 1917
Third battle of Gaza - 27 0ctober-7 November 1917
The capture of Jerusalem - 8-9 December 1917
The defense of Jerusalem - 27-30 December 1917
1918
The battle of Tell'Asur - 8-12 March 1918
The second battle of the Somme - 2-3September 1918
The battle of Hindenburg Line - 18 September 1918
The final advance in Artois and Flanders
Ann

[mckenzieclan]

Thanks Ann,

For both replies.

I will check out the service records for the Pvt. Alexander McKenzie you suggested and post back.

I had researched the Ayrshire Yeomanry in the past...

The battle honours indicated do not seem to match what I have so far, though admittedly my information is sketchy at best. So I will leave that as an option also...

Again, many thanks.
Scott

[mckenzieclan]

Here is a copy of the medal card...

Thoughts appreciated from those who may have looked at more of these than I..