Service in WW1? - Where from here?

[stewart2913]

I shall preface my remarks with the statement that - I know very little, and what I do know comes, unfortunately, from a dubious source.

The story is that my grandfather (John STEWART, PoB: Peebleshire, Scotland) served in France at the very end of the WW1. In fact fighting may have just ceased. So he may have been a non-combatant, although being in the British Army. I am given the impression that my grandfather served at a Divisional Headquarters(?) involved in the "clean up" immediately after the WW1. It is further said that he served under a very senior officer by the name of SMUTTS (phonetic). I know that he served in the WW2, and have a DoB of 16Oct1906 from Millitary records. Making him far too young to have served in WW1, however I am told that he 'manipulated' his date of birth so that he could served in WW2. Thereby possibly throwing his DoB of 16Oct1906 into doubt.

So what do I want to do?

Initially I want to confirm the background to add (or subtract) from the story. By confirming or otherwise the existence of SMUTTS thereby determining the Military Unit with which my grandfather may have served. Giving me a solid foundation from which to launch my research.

Is there a general searchable database covering the WW1?

Thank you.


Andrew

[Procat]

Hi Andrew,

Ancestry has WWI medal cards index and also WWI service records and pension records on line.

Approximately 40% of service records remain due to damage from WWII bombing raids.

The medal cards records a Temporary Captain by the name of C D C Smuts attached to the South African Defence Force Staff

He is recorded in the London Gazette Supplement dated 24 Oct 1918 as having relinquished his appointment:

1 Apr 1918
Temp. Capt C.D.C. Smuts, M.C. (Capt S.Afr. Def Force)

[Gord1950]

Morning Andrew,

I came across your inquiry whilst looking up a Portuguese Decoration that my grandfather and a Portuguese Admiral were awarded in Portuguese East Africa during WW1. My grandfather was Major Charles Duncan Coxwell SMUTS, MC also known as "Kilindini" SMUTS in order to differentiate between him and Field Marshall Jannie SMUTS (a distant relative of sorts, I was told). So, I can confirm his existence and will gladly provide any military info that you are seeking re your grandfather's service.

My grandfather wanted to serve in the WW2 and did alter his date of birth in his endeavours to serve. However, the old boy was well known and the recruiting officer recognized not only my grandfather's credentials but also that the application on his desk was that of a friend of his!

I am Gordon ROBERTS one of two sons of the late Hessie Walters (nee SMUTS) who was one of three daughters born to my grandfather and his wife, the late Madeline SMUTS (nee FORBES of Aberdeen, Scotland). Like my grandfather and mother, I also served in the armed forces and called it quits after 22 yrs - enough being enough"...............

I look forward to hearing from you!

Regards,

Gordon.

[Jan1954]

Hello Gordon - welcome to Brit-Gen,

Unfortunately, Andrew has not visited the forum in over a year and so may not see your message. However, you could contact him via email by clicking on his name and then on the "Send Email" in the drop-down box that appears.

Good luck with your research,

[Gord1950]

Morning Folks!

Thanks for the welcome and the opportunity to look up the histories that are sadly passing without being researched by the families whilst good sources of info are still with us?

I will try to reach Andrew via e-mail and hopefully assist him.

Have a great day!

Regards,

Gordon.