Great grandfather's war medals

[hazell]

I would like to get any service medals for John Henry Leigh ...June 1897-Dec 1974, spouse Martha Constance Howe ... m May 1922, to give to my grandson. John served overseas in WW1 in the army. He worked with horses but I have no further details. He only talked about how seasick he got. He was born in Manchester, Lancashire and as far as I am aware Manchester always remained his home.
I've not managed to find his regimental details and would appreciate your help.

 

[thecelticbard]

You will need to find any information relating to his actual service, i.e., which unit did he serve with, service number would be a major bonus. Without that, you are facing an uphill struggle. Sorry I can't be more help at present, but post any information you can find.
Brian

 

[Ellie7]

Chorlton upon Medlock ?

Ellie

 

[gortonboy]

hi,,i cant see a service record,,but that is not unusual,as 60 percent do not survive.
There is a medal card for a John H Leigh ?

First name(s) John H
Last name Leigh
Year 1914-20
Service number 12756, 12516 (INCOMPLETE)
Second service number 12516 (INCOMPLETE)
Rank Pioneer
Second rank Pioneer
Regiment Manchester Regiment, Royal Engineers
Second corps Royal Engineers
Service record Soldier Number: 12756, Corps: Manchester Regiment
Second service record Soldier Number: 12516 (incomplete), Rank: Pioneer, Corps: Royal Engineers

 

[gortonboy]

the medal card itself tells you the medals are inscribed with the Royal Engineer details....and that this chap recieved the British War medal and Victory medal. The R.E. number appears to be 130516.

 

[gortonboy]

Did he work for the Manchester Ship Canal Conpany?

Manchester employers Roll of Honour 1914-1916
First name(s) J H
Last name Leigh
Year 1914-16
Employer Manchester Ship Canal Co.
Category Military, armed forces & conflict
Subcategory First World War
Collections from Great Britain

 

[gortonboy]

in the 1939 register....your John is a Railway goods loader,,,he is living with Martha and her father,John at 89 Coral Street,Manchester.

 

[ptjw7]

A possible :-
John Henry Leigh medals as he started in the Manchester Regiment :- number 32756
He then transferred to the Royal Engineers :- 130516.
That's all the information there is no age or address but may be a start.

Peter

Oops Gorton Boy beat me to it

 

[gortonboy]

there is no way to prove that the medal card details i posted are for your man. However,the details of the card suggest a man who joined the Manchester regiment first,,then was transferred to the Royal Engineers. As a pioneer in the R.E. and with a background in Railways,,he could well have served with the Royal Engineer labour battalion.

The first of these arrived in France in August 1915 to be followed by a further 11 battalions. They were assigned to vital railway construction and transportation work.
Pioneer Battalions. As a result of a December1914 Army Order, each of the BEF's Divisions was allotted a Pioneer Battalion that would be devoted to various types of labouring work. These men were experienced in the various construction industry trades and general labouring. They underwent basic military training including firearms, but were also supplied with the necessary additional tools required for the work they were assigned to do in the field as Pioneers.

However,,,this is just speculation on my part.

 

[hazell]

in the 1939 register....your John is a Railway goods loader,,,he is living with Martha and her father,John at 89 Coral Street,Manchester.

You definitely found him! Thank you. I have no pre-war knowledge of John but on return from the war he went to work on the railways. At least later he was at Piccadilly Station. I recall many conversations including "when we lived in Coral Street". Martha was Martha Constance Howe and was known as Connie. Her father lived with them until his death. Connie and John's son Kenneth was evacuated in 1939. Yes, you definitely found the right John!

What should be my next step to get the medals, plus would it be possible to obtain any personal information about him? Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks again.