Northumberland Fusiliers 10th Battalion

[genjen]

Hello,

My grandfather, Thomas Smith, is on this photograph ( 2nd Row from front, 2nd Right). I am assuming it was taken in the UK before they were sent to France but there isn't a great deal to go on.

Does anyone else recognise a family member on the photograph?

And although I have found some information on where they served, any stories or details would be very welcome indeed.

Jen

[scrimnet]

Going by the uniforms I'd say that this was taken either after they were taken out of the line in Oct 1917, or on arrival in Italy, or sometime after.

[genjen]

Did the uniforms change during the course of WW1 then? What is it that tells you this?

Looking at my grandfather's face, I'd agree that it was after he had seem some years of service. He seems to have aged quite dramatically from how he was in earlier photographs. Doesn't look like a man in his early twenties.

[scrimnet]

Collars, 1915 ptn SD jacket, stiff hats (a return to this after 1916) to try and tidy up the uniforms...No sign of wound badges, officer still has cuff rank tunic...but as this is "behind the lines" probably his best jacket!

[genjen]

Can you tell me anything about their time in Italy - or point me in the direction of a good site which can do that?

Jen

[mmm45]

Jen quick overview from Great War Forum 

Ady


In November 1917 the Division moved to Italy where it then remained. It completed concentration between Mantua and Marcaria on 16 November and took over the front line at the Montello on 4 December.

1918
The campaign in Italy
15-16 June: the fighting on the Asiago Plateau
26 October - 4 November: the Battle of Vittorio Veneto, including the passage of the Piave 26-28 October and of the Monticano 29 October.

On 2 November the Division came out onto XIV Corps Reserve and when the Armistice took effect in Italy at 3pm on 4 November, units were halted midway between the Rivers Livenza and Meduna, east of Sacile.

The Divisional units moved to a billeting area west of Treviso on 11 November. demobilisation took place largely in January and February 1919. By March the Division had been reduced to cadre strength.

[genjen]

Thank you, that's great.

Jen

[jds1949]

The war diary for the 10th Battalion Northumberland Fusiliers is available as a download [cost £3.50] from the National Archives:

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=8199393&queryType=1&resultcount=8

Add to shopping - pay and download.

It is highly unlikely that your grandfather is mentioned by name - but it will tell you what he and his comrades were doing and where they fought.

jds1949

[genjen]

Brilliant - I shall do that.