First World War 1914–15 Star – Private Harry Corbin, Army Service Corps, later King’s Royal Rifle Corps
1914-15 Star - T-044147 PTE. H. CORBIN. A.S.C.
Harry Corbin was born at Ripley, Hampshire, and at the time of his enlistment was living at Keyhaven, Milford on Sea, where he worked in civilian life as a baker. He enlisted for service on 16 January 1915, joining the Army Service Corps as a Private with the service number T-044147. His First World War service papers have survived, allowing his military career to be traced in unusual detail.
After embarkation to France on 28 October 1915, Corbin was posted to the 49th Field Bakery, part of the 37th Division, where he served in his civilian trade supplying bread to front-line troops. Field bakeries were a vital but often overlooked component of the BEF’s logistics system, operating close to the fighting and under constant pressure to maintain supply.
During his overseas service he suffered periods of illness, including admission to hospital in June 1917 with neurasthenia, after which he was returned to duty via a Convalescent Depot. In October 1917, Corbin was compulsorily transferred from the Army Service Corps to the King’s Royal Rifle Corps, being re-trained as an infantryman and posted as a Rifleman to the 17th Battalion, KRRC (C Company). At this time he was allotted the new service number 202800.
During the German Spring Offensive, Corbin was reported missing on 26 March 1918. Subsequent official enquiries and casualty lists confirmed that he had been taken prisoner of war, and he remained in captivity in Germany until the end of hostilities. He was released and returned to England on 9 December 1918.
Corbin was demobilised in April 1919 and transferred to the Army Reserve. His service represents a full and compelling First World War narrative: early overseas service with a Divisional Field Bakery, illness and recovery, transfer to an infantry rifle battalion, capture during major operations, and eventual repatriation.
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AJMS Medals