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Sgt. William "Bill" Oldham
British Army 1st Garrison Battalion Royal Scots Fusiliers
from:Royton, Lancashire
Sergeant William Oldham of the 1st Garrison Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers was my Grandfather. He served in India from around 1916 to 1919. What I know of his story with RSF follows. My details are at the end of this document.
Bill was born on the 21st of September 1891 in Chorlton, Lancashire, England. His trade before enlistment is unknown. He enlisted around sometime during 1915 (uncertain) and went to India evidenced by a letter dated 29th June 1920 and signed as: REW Baird (Major) Late Lieut Col Cmdr 1st Garrison Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers. Now Dep Governor HM Prison Barlinnie, Glasgow. The letter is a reference and states that Sgt W Oldham served under his command from early 1917 until the battalion returned to Scotland at the end of 1919. The letter says that Sgt Oldham remained behind in staff deployment until July (? letter damaged) 1920. Major Baird mentioned that the last 2 years of service were in the Railway Transport Establishment. A letter from the Station Master (M Lloyd?) at Jhansi dated 16th of March 1920, also a reference, says the he acted in the role of Railway Transport Sergeant Major. I have further reference dated 10 March 1920 signed by Major RJ Lamb of the Somerset Light Infantry who was Dy Asst Dir Railway Transport at the time, reiterating the above information.
Also I have a group photo from his time in India and I notice he has been made Lance Corporal. The other photo I suspect is not long after his enlistment. The only other things that I know of his time in India is that he developed a taste for curries, and he contracted malaria. I have his cap, it is in reasonable condition but lacks a badge and a small piece of animal fur (in very poor condition) attached.
I'd be very interested to know more about the activities of the 1st Garrison Battalion and my grandfather.
 about 1915.jpg)
