Home > Start Tracing > Trace WWI Ancestors Hub > Timeline: Soldier of the Devonshire & Dorsetshire Regiments (WWI)
This example shows how a typical British soldier’s service might unfold within the Devonshire and Dorsetshire Regiments during the First World War. It’s based on real patterns from attestation papers, casualty forms, and service records.
📅 7 September 1914 – Enlisted at Exeter
Joined the Devonshire Regiment. Declared trade: farm labourer. Signed Attestation Paper (Army Form B.2505).
🏠 9 September 1914 – Posted to Regimental Depot, Exeter
Initial training began. Assigned service number consistent with wartime enlistment.
🪖 2 January 1915 – Posted to 8th (Service) Battalion, Devonshire Regiment
Part of Kitchener’s New Army. Battalion training at Woking.
🚢 25 July 1915 – Embarked for France
Landed at Le Havre. Attached to 20th Brigade, 7th Division.
⚔️ 25 September 1915 – In action at the Battle of Loos
Devons suffered over 600 casualties in a single day. Soldier listed as missing in action but rejoined unit two days later.
🩸 14 October 1915 – Wounded near Vermelles
Shell wound to right thigh. Casualty Form B.103 shows evacuation to base hospital.
🏥 16 October 1915 – Hospitalised at Rouen, then returned to England
Medical History form notes surgery and convalescence.
🔄 3 February 1916 – Reclassified for Home Service
Due to leg weakness. Posted to 3rd (Reserve) Battalion, Dorsetshire Regiment, based at Weymouth.
📝 1 March 1917 – Transferred to Dorsetshire Regiment permanently
Given new service number in Dorset series. Assigned to depot staff and light training duties.
📜 12 January 1918 – Granted Class B Army Reserve status
Placed on reserve, subject to recall. Remained in Dorset until war’s end.
🧾 15 February 1919 – Demobilised at Exeter
Discharged under Paragraph 392 (xvi) – “Services no longer required.” Awarded Silver War Badge (entry noted in Statement of Service).
Whether your ancestor served in the Devonshire Regiment, the Dorsetshire Regiment, or another unit of the British Army during the First World War, their service record holds the key to uncovering their wartime journey. By interpreting documents like the Attestation Paper, Casualty Form, and Statement of Service, we can piece together a soldier’s timeline — from enlistment and training to battles, wounds, and discharge. At History Recon, we specialise in tracing British Army ancestors in WWI and WWII, turning complex military records into readable, personalised histories. If you need help understanding your ancestor’s service record, or want a professionally researched military biography, get in touch today.
Or discover more about tracing your British Army WWII ancestor here