CLIFFORD NATION: SERVICE RECORD
Clifford's Service Record was not held at the Public Records Office. A disappointing search there proved fruitless. However, it was eventually tracked down at the Ministry of Defence archives in Hayes where it was held by virtue of him staying in the Army for some considerable time after the end of World War One. What follows is a summary of that record.
Although he held the rank of Gunner, Sapper, etc he remained a Signaller throughout the War. To find out more about Signals during this period, click here.
Joined up on 4 February 1910 (age 17 years and 7 months) for 4 years' service in the UK Terretorial Force. Number 1033. Corps: 5th Bn Somerset Light Infantry. Discharged 18 September 1910 after 227 days to join the Special Reserve.
19 September 1910 enlisted for 6 years' service in the Army Reserve (Special Reservists). Corps: Devonshire Regiment (Exeter). Number 6047. Discharged 7 March 1911 after 170 days to join the Regular Army.
8 March 1911 signed up for 3 years with the Colours and 9 years in the Reserve. Number 64997, Royal Regiment of Artillery. Based at Bulford Camp from 10 March 1911. Served as a Gunner with 50th Battery, 34th Brigade, Royal Field Artillery. Duty: Signaller.
7 March 1914, transferred to the Army Reserve (until 4.8.14) having completed 3 years' service with the Regular Army.
On 5 August 1914 he was mobilised at Bulford Camp for 2 weeks, and went to France on 19 August 1914 with the British Expeditionary Force (until 17 April 1919).
On 12 October 1914 he was posted as Gunner to 2 Sec, 5th Division Ammunition Column. 21 March 1915 posted as Gunner to 27th Brigade Ammunition Column. 3 August 1915 posted to Headquarters, 5th Divisional Artillery.
On leave from 24 to 31 May 1916.
10 September 1916 appointed A/Bombadier.
28 April 1917 he was compulsorily transferred to the Royal Engineers in the rank of Sapper as a Telegraphist Sig Line 'skilled' and posted to 5th Signal Company. Number 251758.
19 July 1917 appointed A/2nd Corporal (paid). 30 September 1917 to 10 October 1917 on leave to UK. 24 April 1918 promoted temp Corporal (paid) for the duration of the War.
18 October 1918 [period of leave not recorded] married Beulah Florence Dymer at the Parish Church, Durrington, Wiltshire. Witnesses: Walter and Clara Munns.
17 April 1919 home from France. 9 May 1919 appointed A/Sgt "to complete establishment".
14 May 1919 transferred to Section B Army Reserve on Demobilisation. 1 February 1920 transferred to Royal Corps of Signals as a Lineman (Group B) Class III.
17.2.21 Daughter, Doris, born.
3 June 1921 stationed at Aldershot with 2nd Signal Company Reserves. 13 April 1921 mobilised, B Company, Royal Corps of Signals. 6 June 1921 back into Army Reserve.
14 August 1922 Son, Frederick, born.
7 March 1923 'final' discharge.
19 March 1923 enlisted in the Royal Corps of Signals, Section D Army Reserve for four years. Number 2304116. Received �2 and two shillings advance of pay.
23 November 1923 received British War and Victory medals.
18 March 1927 was discharged on termination of engagement.