I know very little about my grandfather, I know he was born in or around Knowle and I have his soldiers small book and some papers relating to service in the Boer War and First World War service. He appears to have been a professional soldier, although I don’t think that in World War One, he went outside the UK.
Chinese Labour Corps
The service book relates to his discharge as CSM in the CLC which would appear to be the Chinese Labour Corps. Chinese citizens were shipped to the UK, trained, and sent to the Western Front to carry out support roles such as railway construction and trench building duties. With some research help I have discovered that he was discharged from service before the end of World War One on medical grounds at the age of 42. I have his pension books also, and other memorabilia.
Comments
Chris I think you will find that C.L.C according to those on the First World War Forum stands for Command Labour Centre, as we have been researching another individual and were almost drawn to the same conclusion. Strangely enough the Certificate we have for the subject my wife is researching is in the same hand writing and was issued in Nottingham as was yours.. I hope this helps.
Peter Coulls
hi i just came across your info was his date of birth 26/12/1873 by any chance?
Hi Chris, my great grandfather was William Charles Harding of Milverton House Knowle. He was born on 6th August 1873 and died 4th July 1927. My grandmother was Marjorie Harding. I am hoping that your Father was Sidney Harding and if it is then you are my mother’s [Margaret] cousin.
Hi Sue I am indeed your mothers cousin, remember Marjorie. The rest of the story is correct.
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