213781 Pte. Henry Richard Thomas Ames British Army Gloucestershire Regiment from:Cheltenham Henry Richard Thomas Ames was the grandfather I never knew, having died in 1963 when I was only 2 years of age. From my father I was able to obtain some insights into Harry's war, including being gassed and buried alive twice, eventually surviving the war and emigrating to Australia in 1921.
From my research I have been able to obtain his medal card and medal roll details and also find out a lot of extra information including Harry's older brother William, who served with the Canadian Expeditionary Force, and I was able to obtain his (William's) full service record from the Canadian Archives.
Harry went on to become one of the first life members of the Campsie RSL in Sydney and I believe one of the only British Army members to become a member of the Australian RSL.
Harry's wife, Vera, was also actively involved with the RSL until her death in 1958.
I hope someone who reads this maybe able to fill in some of the "blanks" regarding The Royal engineers, The 2nd South Midlands etc.
Editor's Note:
His medal record does mention the Gloucester Regiment twice with different Regimental Numbers 1718 and 240173 also Royal Engineers Regimental Number 497926.
He was discharged on the 15th April 1919.
It is not obvious which Battalion(s) of the Gloucesters he served in.
The mention of 2nd South Midlands is more likely to refer to :
61st (2nd South Midland) Division.
Within this Division Battalions of the Gloucesters served in two of the Brigades;
183rd (2nd Gloucester and Worcester) Brigade had 2/4th and 2/6th Battalions Gloucesters and 184th (2nd South Midland) Brigade had the 2/5th Battalion Gloucesters.
The Royal engineers item may refer to an attachment to an RE Company in the 61st (2nd South Midland) Division.
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