Middlesex Regiment

[Liz Thomas]

Hi

Can anyone help me to find out which battalion of the Middlesex Regiment my grandfather served in please? He was killed in France on 23 March 1918 but I have no idea where he was before that date.

Many thanks

[apowell]

Hi Liz,

It's impossible to help unless you give his name.

Regards
Adrian

[Peter Goodey]

Look him up on the Commonwealth War Graves Commission web site. The battalion is listed in most cases.

[Liz Thomas]

Many thanks - I've found him!!

[apowell]

Hi Liz,

Check this link which will give you the whereabouts of your Grandfathers Battalion:

https://www.1914-1918.net/msex.htm

I hope this helps and good luck in your research.

Adrian

[Liz Thomas]

Thank you very much indeed - I now know that he was in 21st Bn (Islington) so that is a start. We have just spent a weekend on the Somme and that has inspired me to keep looking!

[Peter Goodey]

You could read the war diaries for the relevant period (The National Archives; WO 95/2606/3) -

https://discovery.nationalarchives.go...ils/r/C7354276

[apowell]

Hi Liz,

The war diaries mentioned by Peter are a fantastic source and well worth the money.

You most likely worked this out but just in case it helps:

Phase: the Battle of St Quentin, 21 - 23 March 1918

Third Army (Byng)
IV Corps (Harper)
6th Division
19th (Western) Division
25th Division
41st Division
51st (Highland) Division.
V Corps (Fanshawe)
2nd Division
17th (Northern) Division
47th (2nd London) Division
63rd (Royal Naval) Division.
VI Corps (Haldane)
Guards Division
3rd Division
31st Division
34th Division
40th Division
59th (2nd North Midland) Division.

The 21st Battalion was part of the 40th Division and if your relative was sadly killed in action on the 23rd March 1918 then it was during the above battle.

Check the war diaries and also the web for further information.

Good luck.
Adrian