Early in the Great War, the Royal Jersey Militia sent a Contingent of men to serve as 'D' Company of the 7th Battalion, Royal Irish Rifles. Eventually more than 300 men would join, and they would be distinguishable from their Irish comrades in that they wore brass "JERSEY" shoulder titles as opposed to RIR shoulder titles.

They would take part in the battles which saw the capture of Guillemont and Ginchy in September 1916 and at Frezenberg the following August. From these battles, eighteen men have no known graves on the Somme while there is a further nine in the Ypres Salient. However, the discovery of the above headstone at the Cerisy-Gailly French National Cemetery, and subsequently information that another Jersey Militia headstone exists at Bazentin Le Petit Communal Cemetery Extension leads to the theory that there may be more Militiamen so buried.

If you do chance on one during your research and travels, do take down the details and let me know. Thank you!

Contact Barrie Bertram