Genealogy Chat

Hi, just wondering whether it is possible to prove whether a soldier fought in the Battles of the Somme - 01/07 to 18/11 1916. The story goes that my great-grandfather Charles Buckfield, who was in his 30s at the time, had to go over the top more than once and I would love to know whether this story is true as if so he was obviously a very brave man.

Thanks,

Clare

Clare

There's a Charles Buckfield of Durham Light Infantry, born 1879 living in Croydon on Ancestry WW1 Pensions records - is this your gt grandfather.

MB

Possibly, although I believe he was born in 1882.

I have also been told that he didn't know his real name until he joined the army, Charles Henry was on his marriage certificate, however, this could eaily be Henry?! (The family were travellers, he was known to everyone as 'Tucker' his whole life and was illiterate which is why he didn't know it :S)

Thanks,

Clare

What was his wife's name?

Alice Matilda according to marriage certificate. Definately Alice though as their daughter was named for her.

Thanks!

Also occupation and address on marriage cert. Do you know the names of his children?

All the in is on the service record on ancestry so should be easy to discount or not.

MB

OK then I think that the record on ancestry is 'your' man.

Do you have access to ancestry

http://content.ancestry.co.uk/Browse/view.aspx?dbid=1219&path=B.Bu.Buc.18116&sid=&gskw=Charles+Buckfield&cr=1

A child Alice Ma(r)y dob 17 sept 1908 is listed amoungst others

He is a 'flower seller' and lives on Wilford Road. My father is convinced they lived in Ely Road when my grandfather was born in 1919. Children: Emma, Alice, Winifred, Fred(erick?), Charles, Daisy, Joseph, Beatrice, Edward, Dorothy, Ronald and Leslie! The ones listed before and incl. Edward were born after the war for definate, the last few of the others may or may not have been (not sure if this is relevant though).

Thanks

Thank you!

I think thats him!!

:D

Clare

Definately your man - his occupation is a wreath maker - yes some of these children are listed

Also living at 43 Ely Road West Croydon

MB

Thank you, much appreciated!

Clare

You're going to need patience in deciphering what the record says as some of very hard (faint) to read.


An excellent website is http://www.1914-1918.net/grandad/grandad.htm may be of help

MB

Thanks, having a look now.

Clare

Also his medal card is available for £3.50 from TNA

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=1689950&queryType=1&resultcount=3

Description Medal card of Buckfield, Charles
Corps Regiment No Rank
2/5th Durham Light Infantry 202066 Private
2/5th Durham Light Infantry 202066 Private

Date 1914-1920
Catalogue reference WO 372/3

MB

Reading this thread makes you stop and think.
Can you imagine someone not even knowing for certain what his name was? And, you know, he probably wasn't that concerned about it.
My own grandad never knew his birthdate or place. Every year he would decide when he would have his birthday. It was no big deal. It wasn't until he reached reirement age that he had to get his birth certificate and found out when and where he was born.
Haven't we come a long way?

I know! I couldn't believe it when my Dad told me! I doubt he knew when and where he was born either, most probably having moved around so much! He was just simply 'Tucker' his whole life. I can't believe someone could live over 37 years of his life before knowing his name...yet his brother, I've been told, was always known by his!

It's pretty amazing now, that we know so much about ourselves and our family, yet don't even realise how little some people back than knew.

try this site

http://www.warpath.orbat.com/regts/dli.htm

Roy