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Morning Dave and Smethwick,
Wow, this is great although has thrown me into a bit of a quandry! Pte James Thomas 2536 definitely looks like my paternal grandfather, the clue being his mothers name on page four. However, after your first message i had a look on FOLD3 and couldn't find Pte James Thomas 2536 but it came up with Pte James Thomas 2539 (attached)!! I had therefore assumed there was a typo and proceeded to look into this person, although there is only three pages and the all important page with my great grandmothers name is not there. Pte James Thomas 2539 also comes from Boughrood but the handwriting differs from the most recent one you sent. i also compared the 2536 signature with his 1911 census (attached) and they are a better match. Now the question is, who is JT 2539?? I know my grandfather had a brother who also lived in Boughrood. Maybe this is the other J Thomas?? Apologies for the email: [email protected] is the one i use for all things ancestry, not sure why it did nt work? I am struggling to download the documents you have sent any suggestions will be gratefully received. Kindest regards, Dave

Tommo
IMHO, I think the paperwork is for the same man.
Enclosed are part of the 2 sets pertaining to 2356 & 2359
The description and distinguished mark's are virtually identical for James Thomas.
Also, the number 9 has been over written on what looks to be a 6......or to make things more complicated an 8






Dave.........

Signatures from both papers.
Look pretty close to me?

2539.

2536

With regard to the 1911 Census signature......That does look different to his attestation signature.

Perhaps his signature changed with age?.........I know mine has...

Hi Dave, completely agree! It does seem to be the same person and signatures are similar. I will continue with this line and thanks again for the help. Just one favour to ask. Please would you email me the copies as the downloads from the site seem to blur and I was wondering if an email copy would be better? Speak soon and kindest regards, Dave

Hi Tommo - just replied to your email. The two forms are for the same man - the 2539 one when he joins the Militia (part-time soldier akin to TA or Home Guard) and the 2536 one when he goes the whole hog and joins the Regular Army a year later. The third page of the 2539 Militia form tells you he subsequently joined the Regular Army and the date agrees with the 2536 attestation form. However, they seem to have got him joining the militia a year earlier than on the first page. The similar service numbers are just a coincidence. I think it is the first time I have come across the two attestation forms side by side for the same man. Interesting. David.

Fascinating detective work here that makes for a very interesting thread.