TOPIC:

Patrick Joseph Fitzgerald 1878-1966 was my grandfather. He lived in Roscrea, Tipperary, Ireland. Served in British Army for about 20 years. His newspaper obituary says, “…fought with the British in both the Boer War and the 1914-1918 war. He could recall vividly the relief of Mafeking, in which he took part.”

Picture 1 shows him with his regiment/unit which may be from the time of the Boer War?

Picture 2 shows close up of Patrick with badges on left sleeve.

Can anyone identify his rank/regiment/badges?

His WW1 medals show the following:
“1914-15 Star” - Aug/Nov 1914 - 4140 Pte P. Fitzgerald 15/HRS.
“British War Medal” 1914-18 41174 Pte P. Fitzgerald R.IR.RIF.
“Victory Medal” - 41174 Pte P. Fitzgerald R.IR.RIF

Picture 3 shows Patrick in Hussar’s uniform, year unknown.

Picture 4 shows Patrick towards the end of his army service, c1918?

Dear Fitzgerald,
The group photo may date from slightly after the Boer War. in the photo, your GF may be in the 15th Hussars, since his collar badges can be vaguely seen and they look similar:
On his left sleeve is the crossedrifles of a musketry badge (skill at arms badge) and below that a good conduct chevron.
You can try finding him on this site using Name Search, there are many possible matches. I didn't find him among the 15 Hussars medal roll though so he may well have fought with a different unit. Also, note the 15 Hussars were not (as far as I can tell) involved in the relief of Mafeking, which your GF remembered. Do you have his Boer War medals to hand? That would help a lot.
Rob

Hi Rob,
Thanks for your reply and the info about the collar and left sleeve badges.
I have searched for my grandfather on the Anglo Boar War website without success. We don’t know much about his early army career except that he served in India and South Africa. His “1914-15 Star” shows he was in the 15th Hussars. His later WW1 medals are marked Royal Irish Rifles. His Boar War medals would be very useful but I have never seen them.
Steve

Hi Steve
Welcome to the forum.
Can I ask a quick question?
Was your Grandfather's mother named Sarah?

Regards

Dave......

Hi Dave,
My grandfather’s mother was Fanny Fitzgerald but his wife was Sarah. Note: My father's name was also Patrick Joseph Fitzgerald…
Steve

Fitzgerald wrote: Hi Dave,
My grandfather’s mother was Fanny Fitzgerald but his wife was Sarah. Note: My father's name was also Patrick Joseph Fitzgerald…
Steve

Steve.

With reference to your Grandfather and his recall of the Relief of Mafeking and the taking part. The only scenario I can think of is that you Grandfather Patrick may have served in the 2nd Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers.

After the Siege of Ladysmith was relieved, Major General Barton was ordered to take 100 men from each of the three Fusilier regiments to form the infantry escort for the column that was to relieve the Siege of Mafeking this was known as “Barton’s Fusilier Brigade” it is a long shot, but further investigations may prove your Grandfather's Mafeking story one way or the other. I did find a Private J Fitzgerald 4595 who served with the Irish Fusiliers.

With reference about my question regarding your Grandfather's mother.
Being named Sarah? I found a Patrick Fitzgerald who served in the Leinster regiment in 1897 and then joined the Royal Irish Rifles. This chap was from Roscrea Tipperary and served in India and South Africa. Alas his family members did not match your man's.

I wish you well in your future research


Dave.....