These two photos are of my great-grandfather - Fred Milner Smithyman aka Fred Minns. He served in the Boer War from around 1899 when he was 16 years old. The story he told is that he was refused due to his age but did a deal with another soldier named Fred Minns to take on his papers. The commanding officer realized he was under age and made him his batman. He later "served in Transport." We do not know whether this was with the British or South African forces.

We believe he joined in the Cape.

He was English. Born in Warwickshire in 1882.

Does anyone have any comments on the uniforms worn in these photographs? Any clues as to which forces he was part of or any other ideas would be very much appreciated.

Shannon

Hello Shannon.....

Now don't quote me but the badges on the first picture look like......

ROYAL FLYING CORPS


Mike

Hello Shannon

There were only 4 F Minn's in the Boer War (according to the rolls on Ancestry) not sure if he was one of these?

F Minns 1st Battalion Essex South Africa 1899-1902
View Record

F Minns Royal Field Artillery South Africa 1899-1902
View Record

F Minns 10th Late 5th Division Amm Col South Africa 1899-1902
View Record

F Minns 28th Battery Royal Field Artillery

Of the Smithyman's none (there were again only 4 in total) none had the initial F.

Regards

Rory

Hello Shannon,
I got really very excited when Mike mentioned the RFC! I love Great War flying, but never get to talk about it on here as this is a Boer War site!
Anyway, I agree with Mike and I say that the uniform in the first photo can only be that of the Royal Flying Corps and nothing else.
There is a 679 Regimental Sergeant Major Frederick Milner Smithyman South African Service Corps listed in WO372/24 at the TNA Kew and he served in the Motor Transport section too!
I don't think this man and your great grandfather could possibly be two differant people, it is far too much of a coincidence and the MT section too! a perfect candidate for service with the Royal Flying Corps I would say, but this was in WW1 and not the Boer War.
If I were you I would have a chat with Audrey Portman This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. you need to see his South African medal cards and check for any papers/medical file etc, this may well show any prior service, worth following up I think, he might have actually served in 26 Squadron RFC too!
Regards Frank

FM Smithyman was awarded an MSM in 1919 for service in the SASC so I can't see how the RFC (or RAF) would fit in.

Perhaps the first picture is a motor transport outfit?

Frank suggestions of getting WWI papers is the best route.

Regards
Meurig

Meurig,
The RFC fits in, because in the photograph he appears to be wearing the 1912 pattern OR's jacket with RFC shoulder titles and that, combined with his known service in the SASC MT as well, makes it very possible to have served with both 26 Squadron in East africa and indeed the RFC/RAF here and/or Flanders
Regards Frank
SWB wrote: