prefix 3 on a medal

[perce620]

Hi Guys

Have picked up a 14-15 star to 3-10589 Pte A(Archie) Pepper West Riding Regt what does the 3 stand for or does it have any meaning at all

Cheers

Perce

[Jim Strawbridge]

3rd Battalion of the West Riding Regiment.

[perce620]

Was there a lot of movement between battalions as the 3rd batt served in the UK for the war so therefore if he stayed with the unit he would not be entitled to the 14-15 star(or am I wrong)

thanks for the info Jim

Cheers

Perce

[SPotter]

Perce,

The 3rd Battalion of most Regiments was the Special Reserve, which was effectively what the old 'Militia' became. They were UK based and their principal function in times of war was to train new recruits to provide reinforcements to the Regular Battalions. Prior to the war they were seen as a means of a man 'trying out' the military life without the same committment of becoming a regular soldier. Unlike the Territorials who met weekly (hence Saturday Night Soldiers), the Special Reservist, after initial training were only required to attend an Annual Summer Camp.

Pre-War, a Special Reservist who chose to become a soldier full-time and enlisted for the Regular Army would receive a new 'Regular' regimental number. During the war it would appear that men who enlisted into the Special Reserve retained their 3/1234 number, even when posted to and serving with Regular Battalions for years. Perhaps someone with the appropriate knowledge or manual could confirm what the relevant Army Order or Regulation on this was?

Regards

Steve

[perce620]

Outstanding thanks very much

Perce