TOPIC:

I am hoping that someone here may be able to help with a little mystery within my family.

My Great Grandfather was born in 1879 and died in 1948. I am in possession of a diary and letters written by him from 1915 to 1919. He volunteered for service and was posted to India. So I decided to look up his service records.

Now here is the mystery: I found part of his records for the service from 1915 to 1919, unfortunately most of the paperwork was destroyed in the infamous fire that destroyed many records. However, I also found a record of his having joined the RHA in June 1900 and discharged in March 1901. I know the 1901 record is him as it lists next of kin details and address details that are correct.

So why did he enrol and only serve for a short time? Recently I found an entry on a website detailing the diary of a man who enlisted in early 1900 in the City Imperial Volunteers and served in the Anglo Boer war until October of the same year when I believe he was discharged. Could this have happened with my Great G father?

My Great G father was Samuel Henry Rudd, his service number was 10563. I can see no mention of his posting on the records.

I trust that someone can help.

Hi

There is no medal entitlement for him for the boer war and he seems to of had a free discharge in 1901. So unfortunately no service in South Africa.

No he did not serve in South Africa, during the Anglo Boer War, his Home Service is very clearly shown in WO97.

bondgt wrote: I am hoping that someone here may be able to help with a little mystery within my family.

My Great Grandfather was born in 1879 and died in 1948. I am in possession of a diary and letters written by him from 1915 to 1919. He volunteered for service and was posted to India. So I decided to look up his service records.

Now here is the mystery: I found part of his records for the service from 1915 to 1919, unfortunately most of the paperwork was destroyed in the infamous fire that destroyed many records. However, I also found a record of his having joined the RHA in June 1900 and discharged in March 1901. I know the 1901 record is him as it lists next of kin details and address details that are correct.

So why did he enrol and only serve for a short time? Recently I found an entry on a website detailing the diary of a man who enlisted in early 1900 in the City Imperial Volunteers and served in the Anglo Boer war until October of the same year when I believe he was discharged. Could this have happened with my Great G father?

My Great G father was Samuel Henry Rudd, his service number was 10563. I can see no mention of his posting on the records.

I trust that someone can help.

Thank you for your help with this. The search continues....

My great uncle E R watts went to south Africa i have a photo of him in uniform and some south African coins 2/6 Florin etc and also his sword , i remember seeing him when i was very young he showed me his wound in his leg ,i think he said by a mortar . story goes that he was a scout for lord Mathuen ? i am trying to find anything about his service , all i can find is ER Watts Imperial Yeomanry 40 Coy 10th Batt no 8030 Private in QSA medal rolls , but i can't find anything else
Can anyone help
John Burton

Hello John......

F.M.P. Confirms what you have found.......

First name(s) E R
Last name Watts
Service number 8030
Rank Private
Regiment 40 (Oxfordshire) Company 10 Battalion Imperial Yeomanry
Rolls WO100/124
Notes [The National Archives WO128. Imperial Yeomanry, Soldiers' Documents, South African War.].
The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901
Event detail Wounded Severely on 16/02/1901 at Hartebeestefontein
Event unit 40 (Oxfordshire) Company 10 Battalion Imperial Yeomanry

Mike