Oxfordshire serviceman

[Sunpat]

Albert John EELES, aged 23, son of John and Edith Eeles, of Baywell Cottage, Charlbury, Oxon. died on 26th Aug 1915 of his wounds in the Dardanelles (thank you, Geoffers).
In the CWGC he is shown as being a member of the Border Regiment - would it be unusual for an Oxfordshire man to enlist with a regiment as far from his home as the Borders?
As always, thank you.
Sunpat

[dcwilkes]

Not unusual I don't think. My Grandfather was a Brummie and he signed up with 3rd Batallion York and Lancaster Regiment. He was wonded at Paschendeale.

[hughar]

The CWGC entry says that your man was in the 1st Battalion. It was in Burma in 1914, and returned to England, landing at Avonmouth (Bristol) in January 1915. It then became part of rhe 29th Division which sailed to Egypt and Gallipoli in March 1915. Presumably he joined during the short period while the Battalion was at Bristol.

See http://www.1914-1918.net/border.htm and http://www.1914-1918.net/29div.htm

You may also find http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/034Bordr.htm useful.

[Sunpat]

Thank you both for your help - food for thought.
What would we newbies do without the assistance everyone's so willing to give?
Sunpat