TOPIC:

I am trying to research the history of Robert Robinson who was one of my Ancestors.

He was born in Tonge Haulgh, Lancashire in 1884. He is believed to have fought in the Boer War as part of a Lancashire Regiment, possibly/probably the East Lancashire Regiment.

Possibly as part of Y company (the "Chorley Pals").

I believe he may have been Private 6369 and wounded at Modderfontein 3 February 1900.

If any one is able to assist with any information/evidence I would be very grateful

If you are quite sure about this mans details, I'd first have say that to be a 15 year old in the infantry in 1899 would be most unusual and almost unheard of, rather more normal in the RE or cavalry, I would also say that Y Company of the 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment did not even exist in 1899.

Barlow wrote: I am trying to research the history of Robert Robinson who was one of my Ancestors.

He was born in Tonge Haulgh, Lancashire in 1884. He is believed to have fought in the Boer War as part of a Lancashire Regiment, possibly/probably the East Lancashire Regiment.

Possibly as part of Y company (the "Chorley Pals").

I believe he may have been Private 6369 and wounded at Modderfontein 3 February 1900.

If any one is able to assist with any information/evidence I would be very grateful

Thank you for your reply it is very interesting.

When you say most unusual for a fifteen year old to be in the infantry, are you able to elaborate. do you mean so unusual as to be virtually impossible?

I have no idea about what checks were made about age when men enlisted - are you able to comment?


very interested in your comment also :

"I would also say that Y Company of the 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment did not even exist in 1899."

If you are absolutely sure of this - that could save me a lot of time wasted.

I would just say that at this stage I am certain of nothing - but I have been trying to reach certain reasonable conclusions based on the information available to me so far.

I think the injury details are likely to be true from what I know of his later life.

Thank you again for your help so far.

Good Morning Barlow......

FYI

The 11th Battalion East Lancashire Regiment called "Accrington Pals" (aka Chorley Pals): Service battalion formed September 1914 by mayor and corporation of Accrington. Location of Service: Egypt December 1915 – March 1916, Western Front March 1916 – 1918.....

Mike

There is also from Find My Past........


First name(s) R

Last name Robinson

Service number(s) 6369

Rank Private

Regiment The East Lancashire Regiment

Units 1st The East Lancashire Regiment

Casualty units The East Lancashire Regiment

Casualty details Wounded Severely on 28 August 1900 at Modderfontein (Official casualty roll location: Modderfontein)

Casualty source South African Field Force. JB Hayward & Sons

It is entirely possible he lied about his age to enlist and was 16 in 1900.

In the Elandslaagte Naval Cemetery there is the grave of 13874 Trumpeter EA Francis ASC - "Aged 16 years".

I would agree about the unlikelihood of a "Y" company in 1900, I haven't come across an infantry company designation higher than "I" for the ABW.

Check for papers on findmypast.co.uk.

Regards
Meurig