GREATWAR-L Archives

From: "Joan Hilderbrand" <>
Subject: [WW1] Uncle Ernest
Date: Wed, 6 Sep 2000 10:48:30 +1000

Dear Iain and Malcolm,Thank you both for your reply regards my Uncle. I am
an elderly new comer to the internet. The terminology is awful! Anyway
from Iains extensive reply, I have decided that army units are just as
confusing. So before I ask another question I would like to clarify some
points.
He, my Uncle Ernest Hilderbrando, died on the 10th July 1916 and is buried
at Bois-de-Noulette British Cemetery, one of the cemetery's set up by the
Field Ambulances, (thank you Fabian Ware). Iain states that this regiment
(Territorial Force) mobilized at Flodden Rd, Camberwell (fits in with known
residence of family at that time) on 4th AUg.1914 it was then moved to the
St.Albans area and on 16th March shipped out to France.
So does that seem to say that he may have gone to France, perhaps injured,
shipped back home then recovered and billeted at Winchester prior to
returning to France and being killed at the battle of Albert and
specifically in the capture of Contalmaison.(10th JUly)
Does his membership of 21st Bn., London Regt (First Surrey Rifles) mean he
was a Territorial,(volunteer, it seems so) and would I be able to find out
any documentation from that part of his service? Would I be able to find
out if he had been wounded? As a postcard I have stamped Winchester might
indicate. It is a photo p.c. all the men in uniform, some with karki
buttons and some with silver buttons, 21 men altogether but rather
casual,two smoking, one in a non uniform cap, and one holding a black
cat(Seemed to have been not the most reliable force to choose!) Rough
ground outside a timber hut.
Is the information that I have from cwgc sufficient to apply for his death
cert. from FHC as I know his date of death? Is the medal roll at PRO on
line? Thanks Joan

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• [WW1] Uncle Ernest by "Joan Hilderbrand" <>