TOPIC:

We are trying to research my great grandfather - James Patrick Lyons. This picture isn't too clear, but can anyone identify the uniform or his battalion? I believe that he came from Ireland to Natal as a horse handler in early 1900s, then married Ada Grace Lang of Majuba/ Langs Nek. He also went to France in the 1st World War, so not entirely sure if the uniform is ABW or WW1? Any help much appreciated.

Hi,

I do not have a current Ancestry or FMP subscription, but do you know if he was in SA in time for the ABW?

As you say the photo is somewhat blurry, but in looking at the cap badge, its general shape appears to be that of the 1 South African Infantry Brigade. If I am correct that would make the uniform a WW I uniform, with the rank of sergeant. The unit served in North Africa against the Senussi tribes and then went on to serve in France on the Western Front. I cannot find his name on roll for those that participated in the "Battle of Delville Wood", which fortunately for him he may have missed due to various reasons.

I am sure that someone more experienced that I will be along shortly to confirm or correct as relevant.

For starters, this is both amazing and fascinating. I do think he was in Natal in time for ABW, and guessing that is what brought him out there. However he was definitely in France as we have some postcards written to my grandmother who was just a young girl. I will have a look to see if there are any telling details - re time and place.
Thanks so much Gavin

I agree that he's wearing WW1 SA infantry kit - the cap badge looks like the Springbok badge, and the bandolier is the P1903 type, used in WW1 [see www.karkeeweb.com/patterns/1903/components/1903_bandoliers.html .]

FWIW, have you see this photo of Ada Grace Lyons' (d 1922) grave in Charlestown, Natal?
www.graves-at-eggsa.org/main.php?g2_itemId=1160015

Thanks Arthur - no I hadn't, and that's much appreciated. I had been looking into her details as she died of the Spanish flu leaving my grandmother as just a little girl.
Bev