TOPIC:

I am researching Gerald Earnest Lea who was in the 1st Worcesters. He was killed in World war One. He lived close to where I live in Lugwardine Herefordshire. I have come across a diary he kept during the Boer war but it is rather list like.

Lea, G.E. (Capt., Yorkshire Regt): S.African War 1900-1902 - served as Adjudant, 1st Bn Worcester Regt. from 31 Jan 1901. Operations in the Orange Free State Feb to May 1900, Operations in Orange River Colony May to 29 Nov, 1900. Operations in ORC 30 Nov 1900 to 31 May 1902. Despatches London Gazette 10 Sept 1901, Queen's medal with two clasps, King's Medal with two clasps.
The above info from War Services of Officers of the Army.
Stirling's "Our Regiments in South Africa" contains a summary of the activities of the Yorkshires and the Worcesters. Regarding the diary kept by Capt. Lea, I am sure that forum members would find it of interest.
Regards
IL.

Good Evening Fitz......

Take a look at this especially towards the end......

www.angloboerwar.com/forum/5-medals-and-...b-hugh-de-berdt#9471

Mike

Many thanks for this extra detail.

1. I have never seen that he was a captain in the Yorkshire regiment- there were 2 years between when he left school in 1894 and when he joined the Worcesters in 1897- all I had was he joined the militia.

2. Do you know of where I might be able to dig a bit deeper on how he was awarded the Queen and Kings' medals?

3. The Boer war diary - unlike his WW1 diary is very list like- with arrivals in towns/locations eg "Joined by D Company. Marched to HQ and West Kent Hills.", court martials that he had to oragansie, who he dined with and lots of "wood cutting."
If you think it may be of interest I could get it word processed and up load it.

4. Thanks

Many thanks for the immediate reply.

Are you pointing me to the account of Hovell? An interesting character in his own right. Gerald Lea was to transfer to the 2nd Worcesters so must have known him.

Thanks

Mike

Fitzmerc
I take it that you are referring to my 45370. His Queen's and King's medals would have been issued off the appropriate medal rolls for his Regiment. They were awarded for his active service. They were not bravery/gallantry awards; although his MiD indicates something more than just "being there". If there was an available regimental history for the regiments he served it, he might rate a mention. It might be possible to reconstruct more of his career by reference to the various Army Lists of the period.
Good luck.
Regards
IL.