military puzzles

[Nat.pitman]

Evening! I'm having a little trouble with a couple of WW1 Gents!

1. Frederick T Turner b 1890 - his marriage certificate states he is with the 6th Dragoon Guards. Looking them up they seem to be a Suffolk based regiment. He marries in Bishop Auckland in County Durham in 1917 (Father recorded as John Turner) so my question is where do I look for his birth, Suffolk or Durham? Many possibilities in both areas, cant seem to find any census records.

2. Thomas Smith - Master Tailor born 9 Feb 1879 Preston Lancs. Daughters marriage cert has his occupation as a Master Tailor. Found a Royal navy record for him with correct date of birth and previous occupation. There is also a RAF record for a Thomas Smith, same date of birth, both records have the same service date and I have him in 1911 as a Master Taylor with a different wife! How likely is it that there are 2 Thomas Smith, with the same date of birth, both from Preston, both master tailors who joined the Navy and the RAF on the same day?!

any suggestions welcomed

 

[gibbo]

2. Thomas Smith - Master Tailor born 9 Feb 1879 Preston Lancs. Daughters marriage cert has his occupation as a Master Tailor. Found a Royal navy record for him with correct date of birth and previous occupation. There is also a RAF record for a Thomas Smith, same date of birth, both records have the same service date and I have him in 1911 as a Master Taylor with a different wife! How likely is it that there are 2 Thomas Smith, with the same date of birth, both from Preston, both master tailors who joined the Navy and the RAF on the same day?!

Could it be possible his wife used a first name at times and her second name other times? Have you looked for a marriage for Thomas smith with both woman's names?

 

[Nat.pitman]

I think, through more research this evening that both records are the same Thomas Smith, and in the 1911 census was his first wife. I found a death in 1919 for her, correct age and place. He then remarried in 1921. Will know more once I receive the marriage cert. Many thanks 😊

 

[ptjw7]

As to the Thomas Smith it is possible that it is the same man.
On April 1, 1918, the Royal Air Force (RAF) is formed with the amalgamation of the Royal Flying Corps (RFC) and the Royal Naval Air Service (RNAS).
So what date did he join the Navy!
On my mothers birth certificate, my grandfather is shown as being in the RAF but he has a Naval rating and that was in 1920. So I think that things were a little mixed up at the time!

 

[DaveHam9]

Any known siblings for Frederick with rough year of birth ?

 

[Nat.pitman]

I think you are right, one record is enlistment and one is service so probably the same man 👍