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The Family Of James Gerrard Father: Archibald Gerrard Mother: Elizabeth Stone |
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Father Archibald Gerrard Mother Eliza Stone James Gerrard b. 1875 (Old Swan, Liverpool) d. Lied about age to join army (6/11/1873) Wife:? Married: ? Children: 1.Alec (June 1901)
2.Ella (28/06/1904) 6.Pat (?) 7.Winifred (1916) 8. Eleanor(1918) 9. Mabel (1920) 10. Grace (1921) Lived in
11
Scourfield Street
32 Clint
Road
Glasgow
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Enlists in the Scots Guards on June 16 1892 for three years in the army and nine years in the Reserve. His age is given as 18 years 7 months (DOB 6/11/1873). Place: Liverpool (41 Milroy Street – p.95 R32 A1 Street Atlas Wavertree, near Edge Hill Station). Described as Height: 5’9.5” Complexion: fair Eyes: blue Hair: red. Marks: large scar, small of back. Religion: C of E. Trade of Calling: Labourer. Father’s name: Archibald Mother: Elizabeth. Two older brothers, Phillip 24, Samuel 22 against whose name in the Army Book is written “Royal Artillery.” ARMY NO 9658: entered as “9653” when promoted Sergeant from L/Corporal in October, 1895.
October 4, 1892: Pvt. “G” Gerrard, Ist Batt. Scots Guards is awarded Certificate of Education, Third Class. “Writing from Dictation – Requisite Proficiency from Standard 111 Reader, or from other book of easy narratives.” “Arithmetic – Requisite Proficiency in Notation and Numeration, and in the compound Rules and Reduction of Money.” Certified by “H Crawford Major Commanding The Guards Depot.” December 13, 1893: Second Class (Wellington Barracks) Dictation 54/100. Arithmetic: 47/68. Accounts: 19/32 120/200 – Scrapes by (120 lowest qualifying mark for Second Class). PROMOTION:Corporal – November 9 1893 L/Corporal – June 8 1894 4th Corporal – February 4 1896 L Sergeant – August 10 1896 Sergeant – January 21 1898 Qualifications: Tested on for promotion from L/Cpl to Sergeant October 18, 1895 “G” Coy. Discipline: Duties in Barracks: Guards and Picquets: Camp and on the March: Drills: Manoeuvre: Outpost, Advanced and Rear Guards: Musketry. Service Overseas13 November 1895 he embarks for Wes Africa, disembarking on 6 December, where he serves with the West Africa Frontier Field Force (now L/Corporal). Musketry Classification: 1st Class (1894). Marriage“A soldier must not marry without first obtaining his Commanding Officer’s written sanction, otherwise he can never have any claim to be borne on the marriage establishment of his Corps. A large proportion of Staff and Regimental Sergeants is allowed on the married roll, also 4 per cent of the Trumpteers, Drummers and Rank and File who have completed Seven Years Service and are in possession of at least one good conduct badge. When a regiment goes to India the proportion of married men permitted to embark is increased.” WillHe never fills in the will provided in his Army Book. Indeed, fills in very little of Army Book. Clothing account 1892-4: Boots, forage cap, greatcoat, cape, gloves, haversack, jacket, leggings, tunic and bearskin. Postings1892: Richmond Barracks, Dublin 1893: Richmond Barracks, Dublin 1894: Chelsea Barracks, London 1895: Victoria Barracks, Windsor 1896: Caterham Barracks, Surrey 1897: Wellington Barracks, London 1898: Lagos The MasonsMaster Mason, Thistle Lodge No 87, Glasgow. August 27 1902. Mark Master, November 4 1904. Army DischargeParchment certificate – June 15 1913. London-G Cuthbert, Col. Commanding Scots Guards. Description: Sergeant, Regimental Staff, Scots Guards. Age: 39 7/12 Height: 5’11 1/2” Marks or scars on the face or other parts of the body. Large scar, small of back. Scar bullet wound 1.side and right buttock. Trade: Clerk. Served 21 years, 294 days o/s. “His conduct and character while with the Colours have been Exemplary.” Second Class Army Certificate of Education defined as “Good Elementary Education in reading writing and arithmetic.” (1st Class: Well Educated). Observation: No entry for “State below generally character as regards his qualifications for Civil Employment, in accordance with the King’s Regulations.” CampaignsWest Africa 1897-8. S. Africa 1899. Medals and DecorationsWest Africa Medal 1897-8. S Africa Queen’s Medal & Clasps for Belmont and Modder River. Long Service and Good Conduct Medal. Address on discharge: 111 Stevenson Drive, Glasgow. Preparing to get civilian job, solicits and received testimonials. January-August 1912. January 17 1912Chief Constable’s Office Ross and Cromarty Constabulary Dingwall Dear Sgt. Gerrard Yours of 15th inst. Herewith a few lines enclosed by way of character which I trust may help you in getting the billet you well deserve. I would however strongly recommend that you make quite sure of the billet before you leave the Service. Here are so many applicants now for any job that a precaution of this kind is more necessary than ever. Remember me kindly to any members of the staff who knew me. I trust that (obscure) is brisk and with every good wish for your Success. I remain Yours faithfully D Finlayson (1a)I have much pleasure in certifying that the bearer Sergeant J Gerrard Scots Guards was employed under me for nearly 3 years (1903 to 1905) while Recruiting Staff Officer at Glasgow. During that period his Conduct and Character was exemplary, smart in the performance of his duties and an excellent Recruiter. He is a man of Good appearance, strict disciplinarian, steady and reliable, and I can strongly recommend him. Duncan Finlayson Captain Chief Constable Ross & Cromarty 2. Territorial Force Association of the County of Renfrew13 St James Place Paisley Dear Gerrard I enclose Reference and hope you may be successful in finding the job you want. If I can be of any further use I will…to help you. Yrs truly J W Smith-Neill 2(a)I have known Sergt J Gerrard during the whole of his service in the Scots Guards, he joined the 1st Battn of the Regt when I was adjutant and I have followed his career up to the present time and can testify to his excellent character and the manner in which he has always carried out all the duties entrusted to him. His character on discharge will no doubt be exemplary and he is in possession of the Good Conduct (sic) and long service decoration which in itself is sufficient to warrant his employment in any firm or public department. He is in my opinion most thoroughly capable of performing the duties will fall to his share in the Customs Service and I feel sure he would be a credit to his old regiment and the Service generally. J W Smith-Neill Capt. Late Scots Guards 3. Telegrams – “Convalescent, Osborne”Osborne, Isle of Wight 14/3/12 Dear Mr. Gerrard Herewith what you asked for, if you can suggest anything better let me know and I’ll send in another. Thank all the staff for kind wishes, also fire many salaams to Mr and Mrs Mackay – With Kind regards Yours Truly J L Masterson 3 (a) From Major J L Masterson V.C.The Kings Own Regiment I have known Sergeant J Gerrard of The Scots Guards for almost 8 years: during 4 years of that time on the Recruiting staff, Glasgow. I have always found him to be a very hard worker; full of energy: and very tactful. He was very successful as a Recruiter, and also in finding good employment for ex soldiers. He has a good way with employers of Labour. He bears up to the present an exemplary character in the Army; he is in possession of the Long Service and Good Conduct Medal; also the following War Medals: West Africa Clasp 1897-98, South Africa Clasps Belmont and Modder River (was wounded). He is thoroughly trustworthy and I cannot speak too highly of him – he leaves the Army to Pension this year – I wish him all good luck. J.L Masterson The Kings Own Regiment (4) Mullingar. July 6th 1912I enclose a recommendation and wish you every success in civilian life. (Illegible) Capt. 4(a)The Barracks, Mullingar July 6th 1912 Sgt J Gerrard Scots Guards served with one at the Recruiting Office – Glasgow from Dec 1909 until April 1912 during the whole of this period I found him zealous and intelligent in the execution of his work, thoroughly honest, reliable, sober and respectful at all times. I can with confidence recommend him strongly for any position to which he is suited. (Illegible) Capt. Highland Light Infantry 15-39 Watson Street Glasgow Aug 30th 1912 I have known Sergeant J Gerrard for a number of years. He informs me he will shortly leave the Army to pension and intends seeking employment in civilian life. I have pleasure and every confidence in recommending him as a thoroughly competent man; strong, capable and trustworthy. Ex Bailie Wm. Nicol JP. Britain Declares War on Germany August 4 191417 Gallowgate Glasgow 11/9/14 Sgt James Gerrard late Scots Guards has been employed at the Recruiting Office here during the past month assisting in clerical work during the abnormally brisk recruiting; and I have great pleasure in stating that I have found him hardworking, intelligent, willing and obliging. I have no hesitation in recommending him for any post where a reliable man is required. He is a smart soldier and has a good knowledge of the army, its regulations and organisation, much better than could be expected from the rank he held. W Ross. Captain Recruiting Officer Glasgow Observation:It was this letter that swung his acceptance back to the army and promotion to QM/Lieutenant. Letter speaks of knowledge of organization and this was the first war in which large scale organisation was seen as important. War had been declared a month earlier. Ommission: Dated 15 November 1914, appoints him as of September 1 – Quartermaster (temporary). New Army Book: Officer’s Record of ServicesDate of Birth: 6 Nov 1873 Regiment: Hants Regt. Civil Profession or Occupation before the War: Clerk Next of Kin: Maud Gerrard 111 Stevenson Drive Shawlands Glasgow PROMOTION: Lieut + QM 1/9/14. Captain + QM 1/9/17 SERVICE: Scots Guards: 16/6/92 – 15/6/13 Expeditionary Force: 13/10/97 – 1/5/98 21/10/99 – 7/4/00 Wounded on 28th Nov 99 Five weeks after disembarkmentHighlan Light Infantry: 1/9/14 – 20/11/15 Expeditionary Force – 21/11/15 – 11/4/17 Was taken sick on 10th March 1917. Hampshire Regiment – 7/9/17 Extra Regimental Employment During Present WarRegimental Quartermaster: 7/9/17 – 31/10/18 Last Entry in Army BookCaptain Gerrard has been QM of this unit during the whole of its existence and has done most excellent work throughout, especially in his care of equipment, and barrack stores. He has a keen eye for the economy now so essential in dealing with stores etc. The total deficiencies during this period has amounted to only 11s/9d. F Debenham Major Comdg. 58th YS Hants Regt. (Armistice Day, November 11 1918) Further CommissionDecember 1 1918. Lieutenant. (Hon. Captain). Royal Air Force. Ends military records to hand 13/08/89. |
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