TOPIC:

Hi all, new to the forum and need some help as I'm way out of my comfort zone!
My neighbour has just inheited 2 South Africa medals with the name
Pte. J Mitchell 6356 E.Lanc. Regt.
on the edge.
Sorry its not much to go on, but can anyone point me in the right direction as to where to find out more?

Welcome Will,

Pte J Mitchell served in the 1st Battalion of the East Lancashire Regiment.

You can read about their exploits here: angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperi...-lancashire-regiment

His QSA is listed on the medal roll WO100/184p363 with clasps CC, OFS and Transvaal.

His KSA is listed on the medal roll WO100/330p270 with clasps SA01 and SA02. A note says he also served in the Border Regiment.

The note says 'M.R. Border Regt' I am not sure what MR means.

You are in luck as there are service papers available for him in the National Archives and online at FindMyPast.

MITCHELL JOHN
1886 — 1905 British Army Service Records 1760-1915
From Brighton, Sussex, England

These are worth acquiring as they will detail his military service and include biographical information.

Good luck!
David

Hi David,
Many thanks for your reply, I really appreciate that you took the time to search that for me. It's all a great help, unfortunatly the Service record of J Mitchell 6356 from Brighton is not my man as he appears to have enlisted in the Lancers in 1905.
The family who have inherited these medals have also got 3 WW1 madals J Mitchell 15294 Border regt. which may tie in, it's very possible its the same man.
William

Hello William

"MR Border Rgt" could stand for "militia reserve Border Rgt" - which he could have enlisted in post discharge from the regular army - a common occurrence and this leads to service in WW1 with the Border Rgt.

You need papers - or an obituary to prove this.

Regards
Meurig

Thank you Meurig, thats a great insight, in all probability J Mitchell is the same as James Mitchell 15294.
Wm