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WW1

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Unknown

Unknown Report 15 Jul 2014 12:43

I had a great uncle who died in The Great War. I know where he is buried (St.Omer) I know the date he died and that he was in the Western Front Battle (Flanders). But, I cannot find how he died. I presume because it says "died" he was not killed at the scene of the conflict but injured. Can anyone point me in the right direction to enable me to find his records.

+++DetEcTive+++

+++DetEcTive+++ Report 15 Jul 2014 16:47

Welcome to the boards 'unknown'.

Exactly what says 'Died'? Have you manged to find his service records or are they amongst the 60+% which were burnt during WW2 bombing?

Although I've never looked, its possible that there was a DC issued. If you care to give us a few more details we can have a look on various sites.

Were you looking for (eg) 'Died of gangrene' or 'As a result of injuries sustained due to a gunshot wound'??

The Regimental Diaries are being digitalised on the National Archive site - As you presumably know some details about his Regiment/Battalian etc, you could search there to see if they are available yet. Unless he was an Officer, he is unlikely to be named. However you may be able to track some reference to what his company was doing on the day of his death, or a few days previously.

Researching:
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Unknown

Unknown Report 15 Jul 2014 21:30

Thank you for your response. I do have a record of his death but it only states the date he 'died' and that he fought in Flanders. I also have a record of where he is buried
and one for medals. I know his regiment and his number but when I put these in on various sites I can only get the above information. I am now thinking about what you have said and that perhaps his records are of the 60%+ that got burned. Thank you for your help.

MarieCeleste

MarieCeleste Report 15 Jul 2014 22:19

Elsie, if you give us his name and other details some of us have access to other resources (such as newspaper archives) where we might be able to find out something useful. It's a long shot and mightn't result in anything but always worth a try.

KathleenBell

KathleenBell Report 16 Jul 2014 10:14

Even if you were to buy his death certificate (the reference for it should be in the military overseas deaths) it is likely that the cause of death will just be "killed in action" or "died of wounds". This is what is on most death certificates for those who fought and died during the war.

Kath. x