TOPIC:

Hi Everyone,

I was hoping that someone could help me out with some research that I'm undertaking.
I'm researching an individual that served with the 17th Lancers that was "accidentally" wounded in 1901; namely:

5405 Pte R.Jones 17th Lancers
1x clasp - Cape Colony
Wounded - 19 Oct 1901 (Steynsburg)

I have'nt been able to locate his files to verify when he attested but he must have arrived in early 1901 as he was only entitled to the 'Cape Colony' clasp.

I have also worked out that Pte Carr was also "accidentally wounded" on the same day / place / regiment.


I'm aware that C Squadron was engaged in the actions at the Battle of Elands River on the 17th September 1901 (4 weeks earlier); Steynburg is located some distance from the Modderfontein farm at Elands River.

These are the questions that I was hoping to get some help with:
1. Is there anyway to work out what squadron Pte Jones was assigned to?
2. What does is typically mean when the casualty roll refers to "accident"?
3. Any other help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Sturgy

This transcribed record can be found on FMP:

First name(s) R
Last name Jones
Service number 5405
Rank Private
Regiment 17th (Duke Of Cambridge's Own) Lancers
Year 1899-1902
Biography -
Event detail Accidentally Wounded - Slightly on 19/10/1901 at Steynsburg
Event unit 17th (Duke Of Cambridge's Own) Lancers
Event source SAFF
Country Great Britain
Notes QSA Clasps: CC,SA01,SA02
Record set Anglo-Boer War Records 1899-1902
Category Military, armed forces & conflict
Subcategory Boer Wars
Collections from Great Britain, UK None

Can only find him on one medal roll on Ancestry which covers the CC clasp only. There must be a second covering the date clasps - perhaps the transcriber misread his regimental number. Looking at my Smethwickian who served in the 17th Lancers does not help as he was only in SA during 1900 and so did not qualify for the date clasps. Need to find somebody else who served in the 17th Lancers who served in 1901 and/or 1902 and scroll through the date clasp medal roll until you come to the Jones's.

Hi Sturgy
Transcription of Pte Jones 5405 recorded on roll as H




With regard to accidents, there were many casualties which occurred from accidents. Many cases proved fatal. Railways, Horses, Self inflicted wounding, Falls, Brawls.
As a Lancer it could have been relating to a fall or kick from a horse. His wound was slight so he may have been working along side his colleague Carr when the accident occurred. It could of course have been caused by Tomfoolery
Dave.......

Thanks so much Smethwick & Dave F; that's great information.

As a newbie to research would it be safe to assume that it's difficult to identify which squadron a member of the mounted infantry / Lancer was assigned to?

Regards,
Sturgy

Occasionally if you are lucky enough to locate the Troopers attestation paper's, sometimes there may be an entry on the statement of services page with reference to a soldiers appointments, pay entitlement, promotions etc. The document sometimes record a move from one squadron to another along with Battalion and depot information. However, I think squadron details are something of a rarity. The medal rolls are also lacking in squadron information. So in my humble opinion, I think it is difficult to pin down a mounted Trooper to a assigned squadron. You could send an email to the Royal Lancers museum or the National Army Museum with your question. They may be able to help?

17th / 21st Lancers
National Army Museum
[email protected]