Robert Elgar Datlen

 

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William Arthur Datlen
Corporal 611 – Royal Engineers
Corporal 544018 - Royal Engineers
Corporal 2200263 - Royal Engineers
Report by Shaun Griffiths - “The Datlen World War One Project”
Originated November 2000    Last reviewed - June 2006

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Born: 26 February 1891
Father: William Edward Datlen
Mother: Adeline Rosine Gurney
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The records for William Arthur Datlen are very badly damaged leaving little information that can be salvaged. He enlisted into the Kent and Sussex Fortress of the Cinque Ports (Territorial Force) belonging to the Royal Engineers in January 1909 for a period of four years, at a time when his uncle, Walter James Datlen was serving with the 1st Company, Royal Engineers in Gibraltar.

His Attestation papers state the William was 18 years old and was born in the parish of the Holy Trinity, Dover, Kent. He was residing at 14 Leyton Road and was a blacksmith by trade, employed by Mr A. Partridge. His medical report indicates he was of good physical development with a 35 inch chest and was 5 feet 4 inches in height. (his height measurements are very difficult to read and these figures may well be incorrect).

Very little information is given on his war service and mostly refer to his time in the Territorial Force before the war. After completing 6 months preliminary training William attended Ropewalk Camp in Dover. Here he received a further two weeks training. This training was repeated annually. In July 1910 he returned to Ropewalk Camp. July 1911 he was sent to Langdon Camp, Dover. July 1912 he was sent to Fort Monckton in Gosport. In August 1913 he was at Ropewalk Camp and finally in August 1914 he attended camp at Portsmouth.

During this time William extended his initial four years service by re-engaging for a further period of one years service. The first was on 31st August 1912 when he was 21 years old. Further extensions were signed in January 1914, and January 1915.

William received three qualifications during his service. He was found to be a “Superior” engine driver in July 1910, a “Very Superior” engine driver in July 1911 and a “Very Superior” engine driver in August 1918.

On 7th February 1917 William was awarded £15 bounty under Army Order 209 which is a Bounty to soldiers retained in the Service or recalled to the Colours under provisions of the Military Service Act, 1916 (Session 2), and to soldiers who have voluntarily undertaken to continue to serve, or have re-enlisted, or have re-engaged. The form indicates that William had been promoted to Corporal. A further form dated 6th December 1918 indicates that he was now acting Sergeant. This was an application for the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal and has William serving with the London Electrical Engineers No. 544018.

William was discharged on 31st March 1920. He then re-enlisted into the Cinque Ports Fortress on the 10th May 1920 no.2200263.

William Arthur Datlen was awarded the following medals:-

British War Medal
The fact that William received this medal would indicate that he served overseas, but didn’t serve in a theatre of war. An Australian serving in Britain or a Scotsman serving in India would both come into this category.
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Sources:
Civil Registration index of births, marriages and deaths for England and Wales
 “The Datlen Family Tree” book by Andy R Datlen, first edition March 1999
WW1 Service Records for William Arthur Datlen
WW1 Medal Index Card
 


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