I'm attempting to research my grandfather's military history during World War I. He worked for the Postal Express Service, and I'm attempting to understand if he was a motorcycle courier or rather what work he would have conducted at each of the sites he was stationed at.
He was in the South Dakota 1st Cavalry initially and then transferred to the 136th, then 127th and then the 116th.
- Would a sergeant at this time have written a motorcycle?
- Given his rank and movements, what would have been his role in the army throughout his career.
- Would you have any suggestions for other areas to research?
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Signed up May 31 1917 - enlisted July 15 1917
Appointed Corporal Quartermaster April 26 1918
Sergeant Quartermaster August 31 1918
Maybe Sergeant Jan 26 1919
Sgt Motor Dispatch Service May 31 1919
Sgt 1cl PES Co D 116 Sup Tn
Out of service July 1 1919
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South Dakota 1st Cavalry
136th Inf - he was also assigned to VORC (what was VORC?)
Transferred to 127th MG Bn or Machine Gun Battalion
Transferred to 116th Supply Train, when he was appointed Corp QMC
Went to 1st Depot Div HQ
went to replacement depot
He was in postal express service, in Paris and Chaumont, and appeared to move around every month or so. This movement was one reason I was wondering if he was a courier.