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World war1

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ProfilePosted byOptionsPost Date

gray

gray Report 27 Nov 2025 06:30

Erika.so interesting about my great uncle George Randell being in India in 1st World War as I was told by my mother that the christening gown her brother wore was made fom pure silk bought back from India. Then it was brought here to Australia when they came in 1922. Then I was christened in it in 1945 and then my brother Tom.after my mother died on 1993 I found it in her belongings and then 2 of my grandchildren have worn it since. You have gone beyond what I originally asked for being where my grandfather fought in ww1 I'm eternally grateful for your input.
Regards Patricia Gray.


gray

gray Report 24 Nov 2025 20:45

Thank you so much Erika. I do have back to Thomas Randell and Ann Haywood. I am very grateful for all that information you have given me. No I'm not with Ancestry as it is too expensive for me. I'm with Gene's reunited and have been very pleased with them.
Thanks again Patricia Gray :

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 15:13

1861 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Great Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

First name(s) Thomas
Parish Great Dalby
Last name Randle
County Leicestershire
Relationship Head
Country England
Marital status Married
Registration district Melton Mowbray
Sex Male
Sub district 1 Somerby
Age 29
Enumeration district 5
Birth year 1832
Archive reference RG09
Birth town Great Dalby
Piece number 2299
Birth town as transcribed GREAT DALBY
Folio 64
Birth county Leicestershire
Page 16
Birth county as transcribed LEICESTERSHIRE
Schedule 82
Birth place other England
Record set 1861 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Occupation Agricultural labourer
Category Census, land & surveys
Full address Great Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

1851 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Great Dalby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England
Eleanor Randale Head Unmarried Female 30 1821 Dress maker Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randale Brother Unmarried Male 19 1832 Ag lab Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Elizabeth Randale Daughter - Female 7 1844 - Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Francis John Randale Son - Male 4 1847 - Leicester, Leicestershire, England
Mary Ann Saunt Niece - Female 5 1846 Visitor Humberstone, Leicestershire, England

1841 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Dalby, Great, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

John Randall Male 45 1796 Leicestershire, England
Elizabeth Randall Female 45 1796 -
Eleanor Randall Female 20 1821 Leicestershire, England
John Randall Male 19 1822 Leicestershire, England
Joseph Randall Male 13 1828 Leicestershire, England
William Randall Male 11 1830 Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Male 9 1832 Leicestershire, England
Sarah Randall Female 3 1838 Leicestershire, England

Name John Randle
Gender Male
Baptism Date 12 Nov 1793
Baptism Place Tilton,Leicester,England
Father Wm. Randle
Mother Ann


Name Elizth Rippin
Marriage Date 11 May 1818
Parish Withcote
Spouse John Randell

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 14:54

Name Mary Biddle
Gender Female
Marriage Date 30 Nov 1829
Marriage Place Kirby Bellars,Leicester,England
Spouse William Haywood

Name Mary Biddle
Record Type Baptism
Birth Date 10 Feb
Baptism Date 1806
Baptism Place Langham, Rutland, England
Parish as it Appears Langham
Register Type Bishops Transcripts
Father William Biddle
Mother Ann Biddle

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 12:41

1861 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Owston, Billesdon, Leicestershire, England

Edward Manchester Head Married Male 46 1815 Shepherd Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England
Mary Manchester Wife Married Female 56 1805 - Langham, Rutland, England
Anne Randell Daughter Married Female 26 1835 Dressmaker Leicestershire, England
Sarah A Randell Granddaughter - Female 2 1859 - Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Matthias H D Randell Grandson - Male 0 1861 - Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England

Births Mar 1861 (>99%)
Randell Matthias Haywood Melton M 7a 213
Deaths Sep 1862 (>99%)
Randell Matthias Haywood Melton M 7a 121

Marriages Dec 1844 (>99%)
HAYWOOD Mary Melton Mowbray 15 387
Manchester Edward Melton Mowbray 15 387

1841 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Kirby Lodge, Kirby Bellars, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England
William Haywood Male 40 1801 Leicestershire, England
Mary Haywood Female 35 1806 -
Mathias Haywood Male 10 1831 Leicestershire, England
Ann Haywood Female 6 1835 Leicestershire, England
Ann Biddles Female 79 1762 Leicestershire, England

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 12:18

1901 England, Wales & Scotland Census
New Street, Asfordby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

Thomas Randall Head Married Male 37 1864 Stationary engine driver Leicestershire, England
Elizabeth Randall Wife Married Female 36 1865 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
George Randall Son Single Male 15 1886 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Stephen Randall Son Single Male 11 1890 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Horace Randall Son Single Male 9 1892 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Son Single Male 7 1894 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Phillis Randall Daughter Single Female 5 1896 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
John Randall Son Single Male 2 1899 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Netty Randall Daughter Single Female 1 1900 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England


1891 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Main Street, Ashfordby, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Head Married Male 27 1864 Furnace labourer Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Elizabeth Randall Wife Married Female 26 1865 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
George Edward Randall Son - Male 5 1886 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Fred Arthur Randall Son - Male 3 1888 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England
Stephen William Randall Son - Male 1 1890 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England

1881 England, Wales & Scotland Census
?, Kirby Bellars, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Head Married Male 48 1833 Ag lab Leicestershire, England
Ann Randall Wife Married Female 46 1835 Dressmaker Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Son Single Male 17 1864 Ag lab Leicestershire, England
Matthias Randall Son Single Male 15 1866 Scholar Leicestershire, England
Richard Randall Son Single Male 9 1872 Scholar Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England
John Randall Son Single Male 7 1874 Scholar Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England
Auther Randall Son Single Male 7 1874 Scholar Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England
Edward Randall Son Single Male 2 1879 - Kirby Bellars, Leicestershire, England

1871 England, Wales & Scotland Census
Village Street, Kirby Bellars, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Head - Male 37 1834 Farm lab Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Ann Randall Wife - Female 36 1835 Dress maker Kirby, Leicestershire, England
Sarah A Randall Daughter - Female 12 1859 Scholar Gt Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randall Son - Male 7 1864 - Gt Dalby, Leicestershire, England
Matthias Randall Son - Male 5 1866 - Gt Dalby, Leicestershire, England
William Randall Son - Male 3 1868 - Kirby, Leicestershire, England

For Ann's Maiden name....................

RANDELL, MATTHIAS (MMN) HAYWOOD
GRO Reference: 1865 D Quarter in MELTON MOWBRAY Volume 07A Page 211


Marriages Mar 1856 (>99%)
Haywood Ann Melton Mowbray 7a 319
Randall Thomas Melton M. 7a 319

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 11:47

Brother George - as per my earlier post

First name(s) George
Unit / Battalion 3rd Battalion
Last name Randell
Residence town Market Harborough
Birth year 1884
Residence country England
Birth town Asfordby
Series WO 363
Birth county Leicestershire
Series description Wo 363 - First World War Service Records 'Burnt Documents'
Birth country England
Archive The National Archives
Age 18
Record set British Army Service Records
Year 1902
Category Military, armed forces & conflict
Service number 6313
Subcategory First World War
Regiment Leicestershire Regiment

In Egypt May-Dec 1902
In India Jan 1904 - Nov 1906


ErikaH

ErikaH Report 19 Nov 2025 11:22

1921 Census Of England & Wales
Hazlewood Road, Asfordby, Leicestershire, England

Thomas Randell Head Male 1865 56 Great Dalby, Leicestershire, England Engine Driver The Stanton Iron Co
Frank Randell Son Male 1904 17 Asfordby, Leicestershire, England Fitters Apprentice The Stanton Iron Co Out Of Work
Beatrice Randell Daughter Female 1906 14 Asfordby, Leicestershire, England - -
Frederick Wren Son-in-law Male 1889 32 Woolwich, London, England Engine Cleaner The Stanton Iron Co Out Of Work
Phyllis Wren Daughter Female 1893 28 Asfordby, Leicestershire, England Home Duties -
Barbara Wren Granddaughter Female 1920 - Asfordby, Leicestershire, England - -

1939 Register
1 Argyle House Main Street, Asfordby, Melton and Belvoir R.D., Leicestershire, England
Thomas Randell 06 Jul 1863 Male Engine Driver (Retired) Widowed 11 1
Gertrude Clark 27 Aug 1873 Female Housekeeper Widowed 11 2


Deaths Jun 1948 (>99%)
Randell Thomas 84 Melton M. 3a 662

greyghost

greyghost Report 18 Nov 2025 18:10

His medals are commonly referred to as Pip, Squeak and Wilfred

"Pip, Squeak and Wilfred" is the nickname for a trio of British First World War campaign medals: the 1914 Star (or 1914–15 Star), the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal. The medals were nicknamed after a popular 1920s Daily Mirror comic strip featuring a dog, a penguin, and a rabbit.

Pip (1914/1914–15 Star): Awarded to those who served in France or Belgium between August and November 1914 (1914 Star), or to those who served in any theater of war between 1914 and 1915 (1914–15 Star).

Squeak (British War Medal): Awarded to those who had served overseas in the British armed forces during the war.

Wilfred (Victory Medal): Awarded to all who had served in a theater of war during the war.

These medals were often awarded together and are a common family heirloom for those with relatives who served in the First World War.

Just google to see them. Whilst he was awarded the medals, like many others, he may not have claimed them.

greyghost

greyghost Report 18 Nov 2025 17:54

The 1911 census states that Thomas and Elizabeth had been married for 23 years. They had had 11 children by the date of the census, all of whom were said to be alive.

Thomas and Elizabeth Marriott married 1887

George Edward's birth was registered Q4 1895 as Marriott, no mmn shown. He appears on the 1891 census as Randall, so may well be the 12th child you mention.

All births can be found on the free to use site - https://www.gro.gov.uk/gro

Birth registrations variously Randall/Randell as are the census records

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 18 Nov 2025 09:25

As previously stated - twice - there are no online service records for Thomas - his is probably among the 70% which were destroyed.

I have posted info from his medal card and the family’s emigration.

Please read all the posts and take note of the info - and the advice. It is intended to assist you.

gray

gray Report 18 Nov 2025 04:09

Thank you to all who have contributed to my question about my grandfather Thomas Randell..sorry but he was in 1/5 Leicester battalion. His no. Was 240108 rank private. He was enlistd as Tom not Thomas. He enlisted 29th April 1912 aged 19..he was discharged 31st March 1920 service with colours 5.8.1914/158.3.1918 medals 1914/15 star and British War and Victory medals.of which I've never seen.
I have his demobilisation records. My grandfather was one of 11..?12 children. He married my grandmother Lulian Smith they married 9th Feb. 1913. My mother Lillian Ruby born 7th June 1913. Doris edith Anne b 29th Aughst 1916 and Thomas Melbourne b. 1919. The left UK around 1921-22 .sponsored by gathers Eldest brother Stephen Randell who eventually change it o Randall. My mother Lillian Ruby married my father Frederick Woods. To find where he was in 1st world Warrell helps. Kindest regards Paticia Dawn (woods) Gray. . BTW my grandparents parents Doris. THOMAS JNR and Stephen Randall all buried Woronora Cemetery. SUTHERLAND AUSTRALIA.

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Nov 2025 11:49

Name Doris Edith Anne Randall
Gender Female
Departure Age 6
Birth Date abt 1916
Departure Date 16 Nov 1922
Departure Port England
Ship Name Borda
Shipping Line P & O Branch Service
Destination Port Sydney, Australia
Master Captain R Holland


Thomas Randall
abt 1893
16 Nov 1922
England
Sydney, Australia

Mrs Lillian Randall
abt 1894
16 Nov 1922
England
Sydney, Australia

Lillian Ruby Randall
abt 1913
16 Nov 1922
England
Sydney, Australia

Doris Edith Anne Randall
abt 1916
16 Nov 1922
England
Sydney, Australia

Thomas Melbourne Randall
abt 1919
16 Nov 1922
England
Sydney, Australia

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Nov 2025 11:31

1921 Census Of England & Wales
2, Sidney Street, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

T Randell Head Male 1893 28 Asfordby, Leicestershire, England Labourer (General) Employer, The Stonton
Lily Randell Wife Female 1894 27 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England - Iron Works
Thomas Randell Son Male 1919 1 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England - -
Lilian Ruby Randell Daughter Female 1913 8 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England - -
Doris Randell Daughter Female 1916 4 Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England

RANDELL, THOMAS MELBOURN SMITH
GRO Reference: 1919 S Quarter in MELTON MOWBRAY Volume 07A Page 434


Marriages Mar 1913 (>99%)
Randell Thomas Smith Melton M. 7a 626
Smith Lilian Randell Melton M. 7a 626


Additional info re grave inscription


Name Thomas Randell
Gender Male
Death Date 9 Feb 1965
Cemetery Woronora Memorial Park
Burial or Cremation Place Sutherland, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse
Lily Randell
Children
Doris Edith Ann Randell
URL
https://www.findagrave.com/memorial/170621774/thomas-randell

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Nov 2025 10:50

The "1/5th Leicestershire Regiment" was a Territorial Force battalion of the Royal Leicestershire Regiment that served with the 46th (North Midland) Division on the Western Front during World War I. The battalion, which had its headquarters in Loughborough, saw action at Vimy Ridge, Gommecourt, and in the Battle of Loos. It was part of the Lincoln and Leicester Brigade and arrived in France in February 1915.



https://royalleicestershireregiment.org.uk/history-of-the-regiment

Wikipedia info

Territorial Force
The 1/4th Battalion and 1/5th Battalion landed at Le Havre as part of the Lincoln and Leicester Brigade in the North Midland Division in March 1915 and February 1915 respectively for service on the Western Front.[70] The battalions saw action at the action of the Hohenzollern Redoubt in October 1915.[71] Lieutenant John Barrett was awarded the Victoria Cross for his actions while serving with the 1/5th Battalion at Pontruet in September 1918 in the closing stages of the war.[73]

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 17 Nov 2025 10:12

I had the right man

First name(s) Tom
Country Great Britain
Last name Randall
Medal type British Army Medal Index Cards, 1914-1920
Year 1914-20
Archive The National Archives
Service number 1394, 240108
Series title War Office: Service Medal And Award Rolls Index, First World War
Second service number 240108
Series WO 372
Rank Private,Private
Archive reference WO372/16
Second rank Private
Archive reference description Campaign Medal Index Cards and Silver War Badge Cards
Regiment Leicestershire Regiment
Record set Britain, Campaign, Gallantry & Long Service Medals & Awards
Second corps Leicestershire Regiment
Category Military, armed forces & conflict
Service record Soldier Number: 1394, Rank: Private, Corps: Leicestershire Regiment
Subcategory Medal Rolls and Honours
Second service record Soldier Number: 240108, Rank: Private, Corps: Leicestershire Regiment
Collections from Great Britain, UK None
Image link http://discovery.nationalarchives.gov.uk/SearchUI/Details?uri=D4781437


First name(s) Tom
Medals awarded British War Medal And Victory Medal
Last name Randall
Archive The National Archives
Disembarkation year -
Archive series WO 329
Disembarkation date -
Archive reference WO 329/942
Rank Private
Record set Britain, First World War Campaign Medals
Rank as transcribed Private.
Category Military, armed forces & conflict
Service number 240108
Subcategory First World War
Regiment Leicestershire Regiment
Collections from Great Britain, UK None
Previous unit 1394 1/5 Leic. R. Pte.

As previously stated, no service info online for this man

If you wish to try to find out where he might have served, GOOGLE the Battalion

Jink20

Jink20 Report 14 Nov 2025 21:22

Is this YOUR chap ??

Yes, I am aware that he is not 15th Battalion....

Full Name Randell, Thomas
Service Number 3380
Address 90 Walnut Street, Leicester
Regiment Leicester


Silver War Badge 1914-1920
Full Name
Randall, Thomas
Information
Particulars furnished: Lichfield, 16/12/1916. Badge and certificate issued: Lichfield, 15/01/1917.
Rank Name Private
Service Number 3380
Service From Date 15 Oct 1914
Service To Date 14 Apr 1916
Reason For Discharge
Paragraph 392 King's Regulations (xvi) No longer physically fit for war service.
Silver War Badge Number 105939
War Office Ref. Number T.F.170
Overseas No
Service British Army
Primary Unit Leicestershire Regiment
Secondary Unit 4th Battalion
Archive Reference WO329/3060

and

Soldier Residence 134 Brunswick Street, Leicester
Enlistment Age 46
Gender Male
Regiment 4 Leicesters Regiment att 28 Prov Battalion
Regiment Number 3380

The Leicester's had 19 Battalions during WW1. Just to clarify, how did you come by the 15th Battalion information? And could it have been 1/5th Battalion instead ?

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 14 Nov 2025 14:00

Thomas Randell
Birth
unknown
Death
9 Feb 1965
Burial
Woronora Memorial Park
Sutherland, Sutherland Shire, New South Wales, Australia
Anglican Monumental Section AJ, Grave 404
Memorial ID
170621774 ·

Thomas Randell was born in Asfordby, Nr. Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire, England, to Thomas Randell & Elizabeth Ann Randell [ née Marriott ]

His son


Name Thomas Randell
Birth Date 6 Aug 1919
Birth Place Melton Moubary England
Enlistment Date 1939-1948
Enlistment Place Melville, Western Australia
Military Service Branch Army, Second Australian Imperial Force
Service Number Nx125897
Father Thomas Randell
Next of Kin Thomas Randell


ErikaH

ErikaH Report 14 Nov 2025 11:50

FMP and Ancestry have records for his brother George, serving with the Leicestershire Regiment, having enlisted in 1902, but neither show any service records for Thomas.

IF I have the right man, of course ;-) ;-). I think I have, as he is in your GR tree

More info needed from you, please!

ErikaH

ErikaH Report 14 Nov 2025 10:57

Is this him with family?

1911 Census For England & Wales
Asfordby Melton Mowbray, Asfordby, Leicestershire, England


Thomas Randell Head Married Male 47 1864 Blast engine driver Great Dalby Leicester Shire
Elizeebth Randell Wife Married Female 46 1865 - Asfordby Leicester Shire
*********Thomas Randell Son - Male 18 1893 Fitting sho boy Asfordby Leicester Shire
John Randell Son - Male 12 1899 School Asfordby Leicester Shire
Nellie Randell Daughter - Female 11 1900 School Asfordby Leicester Shire
Sarah Randell Daughter - Female 10 1901 School Asfordby Leicester Shire
Herbert Randell Son - Male 8 1903 School Asfordby Leicester Shire
Frank Randell Son - Male 7 1904 School Asfordby Leicester Shire
Betres Randell Daughter - Female 4 1907 School Asfordby Leicester Shire