Was my Grandfather in the Military?

[philthegill]

Hi All

I am trying to trace my family history down my Father's line....

I have got as far as the Marriage Certificate of my Grandparents, William James Wells & Hilda Walter. I am presently stuck trying to track back my Grandfather who married my Grandmother in 1922. Looking at his entry on the register, I am wondering whether he was in the Armed Forces.

William Wells

MC_Wells_WJ_Walter_H-crop.jpeg (214.51 KiB) Viewed 3684 times

Would anyone be able to interpret his entry and confirm if it looks as if he was in the services? If so could someone point me towards where I could find details of his service?

Thanks in advance for any assistance

Phil

[rockyfowler]

Hi you found him on 1901 and 1911 OK? (It looks like he may have enlisted by his occupation)
Kind Regards RF

[SRD]

Could be he was called up and decided to stay on after WWI was over. Unfortunately many of the WWI military records were destroyed during WWII. However, googling "William Wells" Royal Engineers driver throws up three entries at Forces War Records (a paid for site) referring to :
William James Wells Driver R.E 301426 for years 1914 & 1917 if that's any help.

[philthegill]

Thanks folks

Yes a WJW appears in 1901 & 1911 with correct Father's name but living in Suffolk which is a good 100+ miles away from where he pops up in Chatham. Being in the services would be a good explanation for the move as there is an RE Barracks in the Medway Towns.

I didn't know about the War Forces Record site so am going to go and have a look there. I'm also awaiting the death cert because I'm pretty sure I have found a match for that.

Phil