Battle movements around 4th june 1917

[krebsy]

First time post and I'm wondering if someone can give me a few pointers...

I just returned from a visit to Belgium and visited my Great-Grandfathers grave at LyssenThoek cemetary along with going on the battlefield tour and learning a lot of information concerning the events of the war including a visit to Hill 62.

The guide (Dave?) mentioned that I might be able to obtain battle movements or more information regarding where and how my relative was killed.

This is what I have so far.

Gunner WILLIAM ROWBOTTOM

16548, "C" Bty. 149th Bde. Royal Field Artillery.

Died age 27 on 07 June 1917.

I know that he was in the Ypres area and had been gassed a few days prior to the 7th of june (possably 3rd or 4th). I believe he had been evacuated to a hospital near Popperinge, but died on the 7th of his injuries.

I'd like to get some more information about where he might have been at the time, what battles his unit had been involved in and maybe even generate a timeline chronicling the events that he would have witnessed since signing up until his death.

Any halp would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Stu.

[krebsy]

Any Idea where I can get more information on this?

Thanks,

Stuart.

[steve fuller]

Hi Stu

Start with this: (source cwgc.org)

Name: ROWBOTTOM, WILLIAM

Initials: W

Nationality: United Kingdom

Rank: Gunner

Regiment: Royal Field Artillery

Unit Text: "C" Bty. 149th Bde.

Age: 27

Date of Death: 07/06/1917

Service No: 16548

Additional information: Husband of Elizabeth Rowbottom, of 193, Billinge Rd., Pemberton, Wigan, Lancs.

Casualty Type: Commonwealth War Dead

Grave/Memorial Reference: XIII. C. 6A.

Cemetery: LIJSSENTHOEK MILITARY CEMETERY

To be continued ... (gotta do something quickly)

Steve

[steve fuller]

... and heres the link to unit info on this site http://www.1914-1918.net/rfa_newarmy.htm

Looks like they were the Artillery Brigade of the 30th Division, 5th Army (but Im no RFA expert Im sorry to say). Nor do I know anything about 3d Ypres but theres gonna be Pals here that do, of course.

Have you tried the following:

His MIC (medal index card)

His Service Papers

Medal Rolls

(all above at the PRO, but not all on line ...)

Then, his Brigade's was diary (if it survives) will be the place to look for more info on what the unit did that day / period. Other Ranks rarely get mentioned, but yu never know?

Hope it gives you a start, and good luck!

Steve

[Malcolm]

I think this Brigade was attached to 30th Division. See the main site. The divisional War Diary may hold a clue.

Aye

Malcolm

[krebsy]

Thanks for the feedback guys..

Stu.