TOPIC:

I'm researching a Seaforth Highlanders soldier, Angus McLean (3599) and it appears he was disciplined in 1901

I can't quite make out all of the writing but it appears he was tried by court martial for "stealing medical comforts, the property of the public" and sentenced to be stripped of 1 year's service?

The following page it says that while eligible for "Khedives Egyptian Sudan Medal - Clasps "The Atbara" "Khartoum" and "Sudan Medal (Queen's) it says "S. African Medal Forfeited" - Would this have been directly related to the discipline action in South Africa at around the same time?

The medal I have named to him has the following clasps: Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen. Would anyone be able to tell me if these were "standard" clasps for the 2nd Battalion, or would this likely be a pickup and rename to himself regardless?

I very much appreciate the help with this!

Sans Charger,

I think he served in the Cameron Highlanders rather than the Seaforths.

Yes, that combination of CC, Joh, DH and Witt for the 1st battalion. He received few clasps that other in his battalion as he appears to have been sent home. The QSA roll (WO100/204p44) notes 'To England. Found guilty of stealing public goods' and 'Medal forfeited'.

But a further notes at the bottom of that page says his medals were restored, possibly in 1959:



It seems unlikely that his original medal was given to him, if indeed it was made up, so I would imagine his QSA to be named in a later style.

He was born in Barvas, Ross-shire, Scotland in 1874. Service papers available online (at cost) from FindMyPast. These should make interesting reading.

Best wishes
David

Welcome to the forum Sans Changer.

Angus Maclean 3599 Cameron Highlanders.
Attested 23rd May 1894, he joined at Inverness.
His trade was a Fisherman, he was in the 3rd Militia Seaforth Highlanders before he joined the Cameron’s.
He was 20 years old when he joined and was 5 foot 5 and a half inches tall and weighed 10 stone.
Of fair complexion, blue eyes, and brown hair. His religious denomination was Presbyterian.
No visible scars, but was tattooed with a bracelet on back of right wrist. There was a large A on the back of his left forearm, also a bracelet tattooed on his left wrist with cross dots on back of left hand and the figure 2.

He made Lance Corporal 10th August 1897 alas, he was back to private by the 7th November 1898 having lost his promotion on 2 occasions.
He was awaiting trial on the 2nd of January 1901 for the stealing of medical comforts the property of the Public. He was convicted and sentenced to 1 year’s imprisonment 5th of January 1901.
However, his papers report the following: -

Depot-Posted Pte 22-01-01
1st Batt – Posted Pte 31-05-02
Depot – Posted Pte 22-08-02

He was transferred to army reserve section D from 16-10-02 until 21-05-06
Private Maclean was discharged on the 20th May 1910.
16 years’ service with the colours.

Home 21/5/1894 to 3/10/1896
Gibraltar 4/10/1896 to 3/10/1897
Egypt 4/10/1897 to 2/3/1900
South Africa 3/3/1900 to 21/1/1901
Home 22/1/1901 to 30/5/1902
South Africa 31/5/1902 to 22/8/1902
Home 23/8/1902 to 20/5/1910

He married Maggie McDonald on 13th July 1906.

His medal entitlement you are well acquainted with.

Best regards
Dave F

That's very kind of you, Dave,

Thank you both for the informative posts - would you happen to know what "medical comforts" would actually be?

Sans Changer wrote: Thank you both for the informative posts - would you happen to know what "medical comforts" would actually be?

I don't think that it was actual medical supplies but items that may have been purchased by public subscription..... Tobacco, Chocolate, Handkerchiefs etc......

Here is an example.....

www.angloboerwar.com/forum/13-miscellany...t-to-the-troops#6374

Mike