TOPIC:

7219 TROOPER ROBERT COMELY BOMFORD: 16TH(WORCESTERSHIRE) COMPANY, 5TH BATTALION IMPERIAL YEOMANRY.

Robert Comely Bomford was born in Upton Snodsbury, near Pershore, Worcestershire on 11th September 1867.

The Census of 1871 finds him as a three year old living at Cowsden Hall, Upton Snodsbury along with his father Joseph Hughes-Bomford (35) who was a farmer of 260 acres employing 10 men and 3 boys. Joseph's mother was 30 year old Mary Ann Bomford (nee Comely).
Cowsden Hall was certainly spacious enough to provide living accommodation for the growing family and those employed to cater for their needs. Robert was one of six children. The other family members were;Mary (8), Joseph Comely (6), Agnes Ann (5), Philip Edward (2) and John Francis (0).
Sarah Hayward (39) was employed as Governess and Mary Wilsden 18) as servant. (From Findmypast).

1881 Census shows the family still residing at Cowsden Hall with Robert now 13, detailed as a Farmer's Son. Mother Mary Ann and Agnes Ann are not on the list of household members.
Harriet Badger (17) was now the domestic servant.
(Source: Findmypast).

In late 1899 when war broke out in South Africa between the British Empire and the rebel Boer republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State, the call went out for the formation of an Imperial Yeomanry from the landed gentry. Gentlemen who could ride, shoot and typically enjoyed a far higher social status than the standard Tommy Atkins recruit from the industrial towns and cities of Britain.

Robert was just such a desired recruit, and attested to the 16th (Worcestershire) Company 5th Battalion at Birmingham on 20th December 1899.
He was 32 years old, stood 5'4" high, weighed 9st. 9lbs., and had a chest expansion of 34".
He was of fresh complexion, grey eyed, had light brown hair and was classed as 'other protestant' by religious denomination. He had no distinguishing features and was single.
His next of kin was his mother Mary Ann, living at Cowsden Hall.

His service record:
20/12/1899 to 06/02/1900---home.
07/02/1900 to 20/04/1901---South Africa.
21/04/1901 to 31/05/1901---home.

The attestation document very helpfully, informs us if the actions that Robert was involved in which were: Lindley, Rhenoster and Oliphant's Nek.
It would appear that he made it through his service in the campaign without coming to harm, as I can find no entry on casualty lists.

For his service he was awarded the Queen's South Africa medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal. Unfortunately, I neither possess the medal nor know if it remains extant.

However, I do have his Worcester Jewel which was presented to men who served with the Volunteer Battalions of the Worcestershire Regiment and the Worcestershire elements of the Imperial Yeomanry.
Recently arrived from the last Spink online sale as follows:


Worcester Jewel presented to Robert Comely Bomford which has had a short length of sterling silver chain and bar added to then act as a watch fob.


The enamelling appears to be original, with a small patch of 'rub' to the blue segment of the shield ( not bad for 120+ years old!).


Reverse view.


Close up of inscription.
"PRESENTED BY THE CITIZENS OF WORCESTER
TO
TR RC BOMFORD
IN RECOGNITION OF HIS
SERVICES WITH THE
WORCESTERSHIRE
IMPERIAL YEOMANRY
SOUTH AFRICAN WAR
1899.1900.1901"

I would like to ask my fellow forummers if you would have any idea whether his QSA was still out there with a view to a reunite please.
Any information would be most gratefully appreciated.

MARRIAGE, SON, etc.

Robert Comely Bomford married Eva Jane Boyce during quarter 2 of 1909. Their union was blessed with a son namely, Joseph Frederick Methuen Bomford. Obviously, Robert looked to continue his father's christian name of Joseph. But the use of Methuen is interesting as a reference to the General of that name from the Anglo Boer War. He must have been respected and admired by Robert for him to include Methuen in his naming!
But, naming children after Boer War generals was very common place in that post-war period, as discussed elsewhere on this forum.
They also had a daughter.

DEATH OF ROBERT COMELY BOMFORD

Robert died at Cowsden Hall on 8th February 1938. The following notice was published:

"MR. R. C. BOMFORD
Death of former Pershore
Fruit Grower".

"The death occurred yesterday of Mr. Robert Comely Bomford, farmer and fruit Grower of Cowsden, Upton Snodsbury, Pershore. Mr. Bomford, who was 70 years of age, was the eldest son of the late Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Bomford, of Cowsden Hall. As a member of the Worcestershire Yeomanry, Mr. Robert Bomford served through the South African campaign, and was elected to represent his division at the coronation of King Edward VII. At one time he was the tenant of Ham Green Farm, Feckenham, but for the past 35 years he resided at Cowsden. He leaves a widow and a son and daughter.
He took a great interest in local affairs, and was a member of Upton Snodsbury Parish Council for about 12 years. He had been Chairman of that body since 1934. Mr. Bomford was also the founder and chairman of the Upton Snodsbury and District branch of the British Legion

So it would appear that he would also have been awarded a coronation medal aswell.


Robert was laid to rest in the cemetery at St. Kenelm' s Church, Church Lane, Upton Snodsbury, Worcester WR7 4NH.


St. Kenelm' Church, Upton Snodsbury.
Ordnance Survey Grid Reference: SO943544.


Robert's headstone is to the left of the church building in front of the hedging.



Robert's headstone remains upright, if a little tilted. His parents final resting place adjacent to his plot.






"IHS
IN LOVING MEMORY OF
ROBERT COMELY BOMFORD
BORN SEPTEMBER 11TH 1867
FELL ASLEEP FEBRUARY 8TH 1938
"ABIDE WITH ME"


In a fitting and highly appropriate tribute Bugler L. Wagstaff of the Worcestershire Regiment played the"Last Post" at Robert's funeral.

Robert was still living at Cowsden Hall right up until his death. His notice of Probate as follows:

"Bomford, Robert Comely, of Cowsden, Upton Snodsbury, Worcestershire died 9th February 1938. Administrator Birmingham 25th April to Eva Jane Bomford widow and Joseph Frederick Bomford insurance agent. Effects £1242 8 shillings."

A tidy sum back in the day.

The family home of Cowsden Hall is still standing along the lane Cutts Pool, and appears to be a highly desirable country property.

I am searching for an image of Robert and will add to the thread if I get lucky!