Personal Details
Born: 3 March 1889 in Whitchurch, Shropshire and baptised 5 April 1889 at St. Alkmund`s Parish Church, Whitchurch.
Family: He was the third of four children born to Robert Birchall, a farmer and his wife Ellen. No marriage can be found for him.
Residence: At the time of his baptism his family were living at Danson`s Cottage, Whitchurch, Shropshire. From at least 1891 until 1911 they were living at New Woodhouses, near Whitchurch, Shropshire. He gave an address of 37 High Street, Whitchurch on his Attestation in 1915. In 1939 his address was Rose Hill Farm, New Woodhouses, near Whitchurch.
Education: He enrolled at Burleydam School, Cheshire on 22 May 1894.
Employment: On the 1911 Census and on his attestation his occupation was described as a saddler. By 1939 he was a farmer.
Died: In 1987, death registered in North Shropshire.
Military Details
Regiment: Hampshire Regiment (previously Training Regiment and Royal Army Service Corps)
Rank: Private
Service Number: 39126 (previously TR7/12792 and 198221)
Date of Enlistment: 12 December 1915
Date of Discharge: 11 May 1920
Reason for Discharge: Demobilisation
Robert was awarded the British War Medal
The British War Medal (also known as 'Squeak') was a silver or bronze medal awarded to officers and men of the British and Imperial Forces who either entered a theatre of war or entered service overseas between 5th August 1914 and 11th November 1918 inclusive. This was later extended to services in Russia, Siberia and some other areas in 1919 and 1920. Approximately 6.5 million British War Medals were issued. Approximately 6.4 million of these were the silver versions of this medal. Around 110,000 of a bronze version were issued mainly to Chinese, Maltese and Indian Labour Corps. The front (obv or obverse) of the medal depicts the head of George V. The recipient's service number, rank, name and unit was impressed on the rim.