Private

In the British Army, a private (Pte) equates to both OR-1 and OR-2 on the NATO scale, although there is no difference in rank. Privates wear no insignia. Many regiments and corps use other distinctive and descriptive names instead of private, some of these ranks have been used for centuries, others are less than 100 years old.[2] In the contemporary British Armed Forces, the army rank of private is broadly equivalent to able seaman in the Royal Navy, aircraftman, leading aircraftman and senior aircraftman in the Royal Air Force, and marine (Mne) or bandsman, as appropriate equivalent rank in the Royal Marines. The term as a military rank seems to come from the Sixteenth Century when individuals had the privilege of enlisting or making private contracts to serve as private soldiers in military units.

Private Charles Billington

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Details imported from Luton Absent Voters list and National Roll of the Great War (Section V). Killed in Action August 1917 aged 19.

The National Roll (mostly submitted by families) describes his service as follows: He joined in February 1916 and in the following July was drafted to France where he fought in the Battles of the Somme, Arras and Ypres and was killed in action on 10th August 1917. He was entitled to the General Service and Victory Medals.

The Commonwealth War Graves records show that Charles was the son of Thomas and Ellen Billington of Sundon, Bedfordshire.

Private John Day

Submitted by admin on

Details imported from Luton Absent Voters list and the National Roll of the Great War (Section V)

The National Roll (mostly submitted by families) describes his service as follows: Volunteering in November 1915 he was sent to the Western Front in the following March and subsequently went into action on the Somme. He also served at Arras, Ypres and Cambrai, and in the Retreat and Advance of 1918 and was wounded. Returning to England after the cessation of hostilities he was demobilised in March 1919 and holds the General Service and Victory Medals.

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