Harry Theaker's  number of 166635 means he was one of the original members of the Labour Corps.  In fact the number means he was originally in the 7th Labour Battalion, Labour Corps which was formed from the 25th (Works) Battalion, Durham Light Infantry. The 7th Labour Battalion only existed for about a month before it was disbanded and men sent to other units. At some time Harry was transferred to 256 Company. 256 was an Area Employment Company located in France which appears to have served on the Lines of Communications in the Mediterranean area (Taranto, Italy).  I say appears as I have seen a reference to 256 Company becoming 196 Company in June 1917.  However 256  appears to have been formed again later in 1917 and served in France during 1918. So we have a problem as to whether Harry served in 256 (196) in Italy or 256 in France.

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