TOPIC:

My grandfather was a professional soldier who served in South Africa with the 44th Battery RFA, which I haven't found mentioned with other regiments here, even though I have a copy of the "Roll of individuals entitled to the Queens South Africa Medal and Clasps for the 44th Battery, which records he was awarded the Cape Colony clasp.
His WW1 Medals card mentions a "Clasp 14526 Harp & Roses issued"
Would this be the Cape Colony Clasp?
Any information would be gratefully received, as his war records were destroyed in the bombing of London during WW2.
Victoria C

Hello Victoria,

Welcome to the Forum!

There is a page for the 44th Battery but there is so far very little information about this battery. www.angloboerwar.com/imperial-units/607-...tillery-44th-battery

The clasp mentioned on the Great War MIC is unlikely to be his Cape Colony clasp but is more likely to be the clasp to the 1914 Star that was issued to the troops who saw action in late 1914. From the MIC do you know the date when he entered France? That said, I am confused by the 'Harp and Roses'.

Kind regards
David

Hello David,
Thank you for replying, and I do believe you are correct about it being WW1.
On closer inspection (magnifier required!) the words are
"1914 Clasp 14526 CLASP & ROSES issued W7585 c/a d/29.1.20"
Qualifying Date 16.8.14.
Grandfather, a serving soldier, spent 5 years overseas in Belgium & France.
Regards
Victoria

Victoria,

That makes sense. Crossing the Channel to France so early would have entitled him to the 1914 Star and clasp. When the full size medal was worn, the clasp would have been attached to the ribbon. When just the medal ribbon was worn, a small rosette was mounted in the middle of the ribbon to signify that the clasp has been earned by the recipient.

With the destruction of his papers, I'm not sure how much more you will be able to find about him. Have you searched for papers on FindMyPast? Can any member suggest a next course of action?

David

The Clasp and Rose had to be applied for and some men didn't bother. Also, it was possible to serve in France between the dates but not be eligible for the clasp as the recipient had to be under fire during the qualifying dates of August 5th - November 22.

Contact the Library of the Royal Artillery at their museum Firepower. They do have some information on individuals.

Regards
Meurig