TOPIC:

Hi everyone, my name is Keith Budden and I'm trying to find information about my Grandfather John Renton 32616 wounded 16th Aug 1901.
We have newspaper cuttings and letters stating he saved an officer, was then captured, but escaped and then made his way back to his troop.

Only info I've found is that his wounds ( fingers shot off) was in remarks as "Self inflicted"

Does anyone know how I can find more information about the incident ie; MEDICAL RECORDS ?

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
Cheers Keith.

Hello

There is a set of papers on findmypast.co.uk.

Any idea what date the rescue, capture and escape occurred?

Thanks

Hi thanks for the quick reply.
The rescue/escape was I believe the previous year, but his wounds ie; his fingers being shot off, was according to the records and newspaper reports were 16th Aug 1901 and nothing to do with his capture and escape .. When it says "self inflicted" it would tend to make you think this was done intentionally (A very odd way to earn your discharge) think I might have chosen a leg.
So I'm wondering, did he have an accident with his gun, (self inflicted) which should show in his medical record. So I wondered if these could be accessed.
Or were the stories of escape etc, just stories.

Cheers Keith.

Hello Keith

Impossible to tell at this distance in time and with the information available - can you post the newspaper reports there may be details there we can work with.

There won't be any medical records.

Regards
Meurig

Hi, once again many thanks.
Most of the press cuttings and a letter from the local vicar asking for help to find my Grandfather work on his discharge are with my brother, but I will have them photographed and forward them on to you.
I remember seeing an article stating he was made a Freeman of Newcastle, but not sure if this was given to his entire troop, which would make it not such a big deal.

Once again thanks , I shall forward the info asap.
Cheers Keith.

Hello Keith,
On looking at WO128, it is a pity that the Statement of Service does not go into any detail whatsoever, it merely says discharged medically unfit at Shorncliffe on the 30th of December 1901, sadly, his Military History paper was not completed either, all very annoying.
Regards Frank Kelley