Grenadier Guard query

I'm new to this so hope I'm posting in the correct place. I'm looking into the history of my husband's uncle, Thomas Archibald Teece and know a fair amount already, i.e. details of his death in Furnes, Belgium in May 1940, also where he is buried. What I'm curious about is that CWGC records etc. list him as Drill Sergeant with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards (like his father) whereas I have a 1932 London Electoral Roll listing for him that gives the same service number, but clearly states he's in the 3rd Battalion of the Guards. Was it common to switch battalions? Is it possible to ascertain Thomas's battalion at the start of WW2? Many thanks.

 

I'm new to this so hope I'm posting in the correct place. I'm looking into the history of my husband's uncle, Thomas Archibald Teece and know a fair amount already, i.e. details of his death in Furnes, Belgium in May 1940, also where he is buried. What I'm curious about is that CWGC records etc. list him as Drill Sergeant with the 1st Battalion Grenadier Guards (like his father) whereas I have a 1932 London Electoral Roll listing for him that gives the same service number, but clearly states he's in the 3rd Battalion of the Guards. Was it common to switch battalions? Is it possible to ascertain Thomas's battalion at the start of WW2? Many thanks.

As you probably know, Furnes is near the Dunkirk perimiter- I can say that the 3rd Bn GG were definitely on the Bergues-Furnes Canal in may, which may explain the use of the name, but by the end the grenadiers had been transferred to the 5th Division so I lose track of their exact location- as by that time they had left the 1st Guards brigade. Do you have an exact date of death, other than May? It may help to clear matters up (It will be on the CWWG site but if you have the details to hand...)

 

Thomas died on 30th May 1940 - got the info from http://www.ww2talk.com/forum/grenadier-guards/32597-grenadier-guards-missing-personnel-bef-1940-a-3.html)
I was reading thro the 3rd Bn GG diaries last night. I got to May 30th, realised that there was no mention of Thomas, double-checked with the other info I had on him, and realised that while he started off in 3rd Bn, he finished in the 1st.

 

Thank you for this and the very prompt reply. I'd found the 1st Bn entries, in which Thomas is definitely mentioned on 30th May. I'd also found the 3rd Bn diaries, in which he isn't ... though at some point between 1932 and 1940, he did presumably belong to the 3rd. Bit of a mystery.

 

Look for a Thread called Walking in the Footsteps of the BEF on here. I wrote and posted some pics of what was happening in Furnes in 1940 a few years ago-mainly guards related.

 

Hi,

If you apply to Grenadier Guards Regimental Headquarters, Wellington Barracks for his service record that will give you his full military history including postings between Battalions. I think it will cost you £30 - although I have seen mention on this site that Grenadier Guards still provide records for free?

Steve Y

 

Thanks Steve, I'll check this out.

 

Thanks very much, I'll look for this now.

 

Drill Sergeant - a warrant officer class 2. Although the same rank as a company sergeant major, he is senior by appointment to a CSM and is addressed as Sir by CSMs'. Drill Sergeants and many WOs do cross post between battalions. The establishment is for two DSgts per battalion. If a WO has finished a tour as DSgt a replacement by regimental seniority etc, may come from another battalion.



WO2 Grenadier Guards insignia:

 

This is very helpful, thank you!

 

This is great, thank you!