Just turned 18 years of age signs up for the Army, 3 years in the colours and then 9 years in the reserve. for the Army.

He is to report at Lichfield barracks at 10am

Thomas has been given a Furlough from No 81 R.G.A. (Royal Garrison Artillery) - Leith Fort and he is to proceed to Norton in the Moors. He must reurn to his unit on 3.1.1906.

The Regular Army - www.1914-1918.net/regular.htm

The Artillery - www.1914-1918.net/cra.htm

No9 Stationary Hospital 1914

My granddad Thomas Edwin Hill was one of the first soldiers to go to France, 21st August 1914, but according to his pay book, he spent some time at the No9 Stationary Hospital. I have been searching the internet and found some facts about the hospital. No9 stationary hospital would have been one of many hospitals, which were usually located near to the respective army groups. It does say 2 stationary hospitals per Army division, 400 casualties in each. No9 Stationary Hospital was located at St Nazaire from September 1914 to Le Harve from October 1914 to November 1914. Granddad Hill stated he was at the hospital, but I can not find out why. Was he injured or stationed at the unit.

The evacuation procedure is described on this web site:

http://www.vlib.us/medical/ramc/ramc.htm

Thomas Edwin Hill - Old Contemptibles World War 1

The Old Contemptibles Association was a voluntary group of old soldiers who had served in the pre-war all-professional regular British Army that became the British Expeditionary Force of late 1914. They were that select band who served in France and Flanders between 5 Aug and 22 Nov 1914 and received the 1914 Star (the "Old Contemptibles" medal). The term comes from a reference to the B.E.F. by the Kaiser (or one of his generals) as "that contemptible little army". As is their way, the British soldiers inevitably took this as a reverse compliment and adopted it as their nickname.
The Association was disbanded some years ago when its members became too elderly and frail to continue their meetings and commemorative services.

8th Division RGA www.1914-1918.net/8div.htm

The Battle of Neuve Chapelle, 10 - 13 March 1915

www.1914-1918.net/bat9.htm

7th Division RGA www.1914-1918.net/7div.htm

'One of the greatest fighting formations Britain ever put into the field': Cyril Falls.

The Battle of Aubers Ridge, 9 May 1915

www.1914-1918.net/BATTLES/bat11_aubers/bat.htm