TOPIC:

Hello
I am interested in finding out more about my great grandfather Pte William Mallett of the Welsh Grenadier Guards. He volunteered and set sail for S Africa in October 1899. He fought at the Battle of Belmont and received two campaign medals. He kept a diary during the first year of his service which is held at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. I couldn't find his name listed amongst the Imperial units. (?)

I would appreciate any help you can give me.

Many thanks

Mallett

Hello Mallett

There is and was no 'Welsh Grenadier Guards' but as the Welsh Guards weren't formed until 1915 I assume your G-G-F was in the Grenadier Guards. The most likely candidate is 6969 Pte. Pte. W. Mallett who served in the 3rd battalion and was born in Wallnut Tree Bridge, Cardiff, (that being the Welsh connection).

He was entitled to the QSA clasps Belmont, Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg & Diamond hIll and the KSA with clasps South Africa 1901 & South Africa 1902. Copies of his service papers are available online at Findmypast. He enlisted 5/10/1897, transferred to the Army Reserve 30/9/1902 and discharged on termination of his service period 4/10/1909.

Hope this helps.

Regards

David

Hi David

Thank you so much for this comprehensive reply - I am absolutely certain this is my great grandfather. At first I thought it couldn't have been him because I know him to have been born in Taffs Well, Cardiff but I have just done a little research on earlier place names and discovered that Taffs Well was indeed known as Walnut Tree Bridge!

Thanks again