Which batallion of the welsh regiment?

[sue]

My Great Grandfather Benjamin Williams was in the Welsh Regiment (service number 16624) and also in the Machine Gun Corps (service number 25263).I have his medals as a starting point, but not a great deal more.
Trying to find a Welshman called Williams - Tricky to say the least, especially without a date of birth.
I would love to know which battalion he was in. Also, was the Machine Gun Corps attached to The Welsh Regiment or a seperate unit?
Any thoughts on this would be appreciated. Thanks Sue.

[brianw]

Hello Sue, and welcome.

Hmmm ... looking for a Welshman called Williams is like looking for an Englishman named Smith. In many Welsh battalions they were "renamed" Williams 123, Williams 234, and so on, usually using the surname followed by the last three of the man's service number. It was the same with those named Jones.

The best advice I can offer is that you join one of the specialist services genealogy websites such as "Forces reunited" where you can gain access to old service records ... for a price, unfortunately.

Regards, Brian

[brianw]

Hello again Sue,

I've just had another thought about your great Grandfather.
You say he was in the Welsh Regiment, if that's the case, you could try writing to the Welch Regimental Museum (note the spelling) in Brecon, Powys.
There are also "ad-links" on most of the pages here which seem to point to what might be helpful sources.

Regards, Brian.

[sue]

Hello, Brian,

Thanks for your advice on finding great grandfather. I will let u know how I get on. Much thanks. Sue

[Jim]

Good luck Sue, please do keep us informed with your quest.

[Stalin]

Aye, good luck Sue, i know how difficult this can be.