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Hello everyone
I am researching the history of my great uncle Alfred Rutherford and would appreciate any help. He was a private in the second battalion the rifles, I have discovered that so far. It may be of interest to the forum that he apparently joined this regiment straight from school and took with him to south africa his school book, a quarter of which is filled with lecture notes on the english civil war. He subsequently found himself at the siege of Ladysmith and spent the time there recording his activities in a daily diary. It is a factual account however and I found that he did not seem to comment about things on a personal level. Perhaps he was conscious it could be read by an officer and get him into trouble?
This has been kept in a drawer ever since and I wonder if it should be placed in a museum of some sort as an item of historical interest. Perhaps you could advise me of how to do this?
I have found that he was entitled to a campaign medal with 2 clasps one saying ladysmith and the other laings nek. The latter seems to refer to a battle of the first boer war of 1892 which was a huge defeat with massive casualties for the british army. I wonder why this battle is relevant to the second boer war and merit a clasp as my great uncle certainly wasn't there.

Regards Chris

Hello Chris
Welcome to the forum

www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/im...ts/644-rifle-brigade
The link above gives you some details on your Great Uncle's time in the 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade. His regimental number was 4474. He was awarded the Queen's South Africa medal with 3 clasps. Belfast, Relief of Ladysmith and Laings Nek. There was an action there also.
He was also awarded his Kings South Africa medal with date clasps 1901 & 1902.
With reference to your Uncle's textbook? The Royal Green Jackets museum may be able to help you. I will post details for you later.

Best regards


Dave.......


PS link to the Royal Green Jackets Museum

rgjmuseum.co.uk/



Address and Phone Number for Museum.

Criteria for your Uncle's clasp reference Laings Nek.
A clasp inscribed "Laing's Nek" will be granted to all troops of the Natal Field Force employed in operations, and north of an east and west line through Newcastle between June 2nd and 9th, 1900, both dates inclusive.

Thanks for the info Dave