Cause of death..

[jesterhud]

My Great Great Uncles James Kinnell was killed at the Battle of Hazebrouck in WW1 In April 1918, i have his Army service record which shows him as wounded in action on 21st April and died on 22nd April.

Is there any way of finding out more specifically the cause of death, I.E shot, gassed etc..for soldiers that die in action is a death cert issued with the cause of death on like a civilian has ??

Thanks
Mike

[apowell]

Hi,

I'm afraid Mike to my knowledge no seperate medical records were kept for soldiers only the Casualty Form-Active Service (B.103) that was included in the soldiers service papers. This form usually only gave basic information on soldier's injuries because of the horrendous number of wounded soldiers that were received at the front. It was just impossible for the front line medical stations to keep any detailed records and If soldiers died or were killed in action the information would be more basic then those who suvived and were sent back home for treatment. Those that were treated back at home you would usually find more information and paperwork on their service records including details of treatment of wounds etc.

James was sadly killed serving with the 1st Battalion of the The Queen's Own (Royal West Kent Regiment) during the defence of Nieppe Forest at the Battle of Hazebrouck. I can find no mention of gas being used during that engagement and the British were fighting a defensive battle. I would guess he was sadly killed by shell or gun fire.

I know James service records are full of information but If you need any further help please feel free to ask.

It would be smashing if you could add James details to our roll of honour so we can all pay our respects.

Kind regards
Adrian

[MarkCDodd]

I sometimes see more details on the service record, i.e G.S.W to the neck. (Gun Shot Wound) or "Bombing attack" (grenade).

Occasionally the regimental diary sheds light on some deaths.

[gwen]

I have a Death cert for Soldior all it says is KILLED IN ACTION thats for 1916

[MarkCDodd]

From the date of death and their regiment is is usually possible to figure out the "Battle" they were killed in.

Sometimes from the exact day you can kind of figure out the most likely form of death.

i.e Was it before they "went over" and during an artillery barrage. (More than 50% of fatalities in WWI were caused by artillery).

Sometimes you have to just accept that their method of death will never be known.