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Annette Blagden
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WW1 records - please help me find my Great Grandfather?

Hi, my Great Grandfather, Sgt William Eccles Holt was killed in World War 1 in France on 10 September 1916, only 39 years old, and was married to Jessie Holt of Fleetwood. I think his army number was 1968. I’m desperate to find a photo of him and trying to find out what medals he obtained and his service record, but without spending a fortune on military records sites, I’m having so much difficulty.

Does anyone have a Grandfather or Great Grandfather that might have fought alongside my Great Grandfather and have photos or might be able to help me find his records?

Hope someone can help me, I’m at my wits end - the website only holds very little info.

Thank you
Annette

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18/01/2012 22:06:28

Gordon H Smith
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Annette,Try National Archives in Kew London for his medals information.You will need his Regiment’s name and dates of service if Possible.
Failing that try Veterans Agency Blackpool they may help. Even try the CWGC website.

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Hold the line steady boys,the Old 22's are here.

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19/01/2012 00:10:46

Murray Whyte
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Soldiers Died in the Great War 1914-1919

Name: William Eccles HOLT

Rank: SERGT.

Initials: W E

Birthplace: Fleetwood

Residence:

Enlisted: Fleetwood

Regiment, Corps etc.: King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)

Battalion etc.: 1/5th Battalion.

4.8.14 Lancaster: North Lancs. Bde. West Lancs. Div. 14.8.14 to Didcot on railway guard duties. Nov. 1914 to Sevenoaks. 15.2.15 landed at Havre. 3.3.15 to 83rd Bde. 28th Div. 21.10.15 to 2nd Bde. 1st Div. 7.1.16 to 166th Bde. 55th Div. in Hallencourt area. 11.11.18 166th Bde. 55th Div. Belgium; near Ath.

Number: 1963

Date died: 10 September 1916

How died: Killed in action

Theatre of war: France & Flanders

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19/01/2012 04:11:50

Murray Whyte
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His medal card is available from the National Archives for £2.

Click Here

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19/01/2012 04:24:55

Murray Whyte
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The Commonwealth Graves Commission has him listed with the following details:

Name: HOLT
Initials: W E
Nationality: United Kingdom
Rank: Serjeant
Regiment/Service: King’s Own (Royal Lancaster Regiment)
Unit Text: 1st/5th Bn.
Age: 39
Date of Death: 10/09/1916
Service No: 1953
Additional information: Husband of Jessie Holt, of 50, Belmont Rd., Fleetwood, Lancs.
Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead
Grave/Memorial Reference: IV. G. 3.
Cemetery: DELVILLE WOOD CEMETERY, LONGUEVAL

Note that his service number here is different. Common mistake.

Google the name of the cemetery.

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The forum resizer has reduced the image to unreadable proportions.

Have a look at the CWGC site

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19/01/2012 04:47:56

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