Good afternoon, Can somebody help me or point me in the right direction? I have researched my Mother and Father's Family History over the last 3 or 4 years and compiled a document that dates back to c.1800. I have deliberately chosen that cut off date in order to focus on family members that I have known throughout my life and limited my research to their: Parents, Grandparents, Children and Siblings. The life of my Grandfather: GEORGE HENRY WILLARD (b: 9 June 1886--d: 20 Aug 1965) has been the focal point of my research, I have found it a very interesting and rewarding challenge to learn about him and his life. Every now and again I come across information about him that counters what I know and is at odds at what Family members have told me. Throughout my life (I am 72yrs, born in 1946) I was under the impression that my Grandfather did not undertake any Military Service. In recent times I found that in 1904 at the age of 17yrs he joined the Royal Navy as a seaman and was on board HMS (or TS) Northampton, but for whatever reason only served for four weeks. I knew that in 1904 he worked as a Porter for the: Rother Valley Railway, then shortly afterwards and for the rest of his working life he was with: Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR). During the First World War the majority of men working for the K&ESR carried out 'War duties' with the rail company, including my Grandfather. However recent studies have shown a: v GEORGE HENRY WILLARD as having served in the Royal Sussex Regiment and awarded: Territorial Force War Medal, this was presented at HOUNSLOW 30 March 1922. v His Service No; 265121, v Rank; PTE, v Name; WILLARD. George. Henry v and Unit; 6/277. A/Cpl.2/6 Royal Sussex Regt. v He was also awarded the: Victory Medal and British War Medal I have reached again the point of a 'mental block' and I do not know where to go next to either confirm or rebut the above information that my Grandfather served in the Royal Sussex Regiment in WW1. I am proud of him either way, he worked hard all of his life and left his mark on the village of Robertsbridge in Sussex. I would appreciate any help or advice, Thank you. Roy Willard
