Name
Ralph John Hibbert Welland
Conflict
First World War
Date of Death / Age
Rank, Service Number & Service Details
Awards: Service Medals/Honour Awards
Not Yet Researched
Cemetery/Memorial: Name/Reference/Country
Headstone Inscription
Not Researched
UK & Other Memorials
Biography
Ralph Welland was born in the autumn of 1895 at Saltram Crescent, Kilburn. He was one of four children (one son and three daughters) born to Robert and Louise Welland. At the time of the 1901 Census the family had moved to 76 Marlin Square, Abbots Langley. Robert was employed as a Chartered Engineer and Louise worked as an Elementary School Mistress. In the 1911 Census the family was recorded living at London Villa, Abbots Road, Abbots Langley. It is presumed that Robert had died by this time as Louise was noted as the Head of the Hosuehold.
At the outbreak of War Ralph joined up with the Hertfordshire Yeomanry, but on 21st August 1914 he was discharged as being no longer fit for War Service. He was diagnosed with valvular disease of the aortic valve and also had a long-standing history of rheumatism throughout infancy. However ten days later he re-enlisted with the 13th Battalion of the London Regiment – the Kensington’s. The battalion had mobilised at Abbots Langley in early August 1914. Ralph was recorded for the first time in the Abbots Langley Parish Magazine Roll of Honour in October 1914, serving with the 13th London’s. He was sent to France, but was invalided home with a recurrence of heart disease, and was discharged again on 10th December 1915. The Parish Magazine noted that Ralph had been invalided home in February 1916.
On 8th March 1916 Ralph attested to the Seaforth Highlanders, and re-enlisted with the rank of Lance Corporal. His previous medical issues and discharges were noted when he attested and the Officer Commanding the 3rd Battalion of the Highlanders noted that “he is able to carry out all his duties in every way satisfactorily, and that his name should be removed from the Pension List”. On 10th June 1916 the Hertfordshire Advertiser reported that “Ralph Welland, who was on the discharged list, has now joined the Seaforth Highlanders”.
Ralph embarked at Folkestone and disembarked at Boulogne on 10th August 1916. He was posted to the 7th Battalion Seaforth Highlanders on 11th August 1916, and then to the 8th Battalion on 24th August. On 11th September he was admitted to No 2 Casualty Clearing Station, and moved to No 5 General Hospital at Rouen two days later. He was despatched to England on a Hospital Ship on 20th September. On 16th October he was discharged for a third time being no longer fit for Military Service. The report of the Medical Board of 2nd October noted that his heart problems had returned, but were not a result of, but had been aggravated by active service.
On 24th November 1916 Ralph re-enlisted, this time with the Army Veterinary Corps (AVC) and served with the 4th Reserve Veterinary Hospital. His name was once again removed from the Pension List. Throughout 1917 the Parish Roll of Honour listed Ralph serving with the AVC, however by January 1918 and through to the end of the War it was noted that he served with the rank of Lieutenant with the Royal Garrison Artillery (RGA).
Ralph was listed in the Absent Voter Records for Autumn 1918, Spring 1919, and Autumn 1919 serving with the RGA. He gave his address at Abbots Road, Abbots Langley.
Ralph Welland survived the War
Additional Information
Formerly 13th (County of London) Battalion (Kensington); 3rd, 7th & 8th Battalions Seaforth Highlanders; 4th Reserve Veterinary Hospital, Army Veterinary Corps.
Acknowledgments
Roger Yapp - www.backtothefront.org
