TOPIC:

Dear Forum members
Just a quick question regarding the enclosed paperwork.
Forgive my ignorance, but what does the R refer to in the Depot / Squadron column.
I am researching a 5th Lancer


Cheers

Dave

My assumption would be that it denotes that he was in the Reserve Squadron, as the R is in the column that normally has the battalion/squadron number.

Thank you Neville

Reserves did cross my mind. However this chap was in South Africa for over 4 years. I'm pretty sure he wasn't at Elandslaagte as he has no clasp. He was a Ladysmith defender and he also recieved a Belfast clasp. I just cannot find a squadron letter for him, whether it be A to H.

Dave....

Dave,

I was editing my last post just as you were writing your response. Having done a quick search of newspapers, it seems the cavalry had Reserve Squadrons (not Army Reserve). This might make more sense.

According to Willcox, the only 5th Lancers units at Elandslaagte and Ladysmith were A,C and D Squadrons.

The article below shows that Reserve Squadrons were sent out to South Africa. I guess men from these were attached to units already at the front on arrival.



Bournemouth Daily Echo, 27th November 1900

..

Gore, in "The Green Horse in Ladysmith"
www.angloboerwar.com/books/43-gore-the-green-horse-in-ladysmith writes:
Sept. 18.—Wire received from Punjaub Command directing that a detailed report be prepared on the mobilization of the regiment under the new organization of three service squadrons and one reserve squadron: to be prepared on voyage and posted from Durban.
Thus it seems they were "reserve"when organised en route from India, but "active"when in South Africa.