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The average life expectancy for a man born in the UK in 1875 was around 42, so "elderly" in Powell's case doesn't necessarily mean he was aged 60+, but he may well have been at least 50 in 1931 to be called a Boer War veteran.

This could be 6353 Pte Powell of the 1st RWF.

He appears to have been born in Birmingham in 1882 so your estimate was very accurate, Berenice.

The early 1930 must have been a very difficult period for many people in the country,

Knock me down with a feather, David! I never expected anyone to come up with a possible identification. Well done.

Interesting that he didn't mention the Great War, only the Boer War. Not fit for service? I've often wondered what became of men who were living outside of society - tramping, begging, in workhouses - when conscription began in 1916. Perhaps Charles Powell was classed as medically unfit.

I think it would be much harder to enforce the Military Service Act 1916 in the case of anyone living outside of the established society, but, even so, they were very many exemptions, in particular, prior to the second half of the following year.

BereniceUK wrote: Knock me down with a feather, David! I never expected anyone to come up with a possible identification. Well done.

Interesting that he didn't mention the Great War, only the Boer War. Not fit for service? I've often wondered what became of men who were living outside of society - tramping, begging, in workhouses - when conscription began in 1916. Perhaps Charles Powell was classed as medically unfit.

6353 C Powell Royal Welsh Fusiliers.
Served in the 1st Battalion and was also in the 22nd Battalion Mounted Infantry (RWF). 2 medal rolls attached.
5 clasps for his QSA - CC / OFS & Transvaal plus x 2 Date clasps.
If he went on to serve in WW1 there are 9 C Powell's attributed to the RWF.
Sometimes the search flags up previous regimental numbers that links to new numbers. However, on this occasion no match to 6353. It is possible he served in WW1 but he could have been in another regiment or he may not have served at all. Or, as Frank has mentioned, medically unfit to serve.

Far more about him than I ever thought possible. Thanks, David and Dave.