TOPIC:

Hi Everyone - Looking for some help. James Ernest Clegg served with a "mounted unit" between May 1901 to Oct 1902 when he sailed on the Dilwara. I have looked at the shipping records on this site as well as the many J Cleggs listed in the name database. Clegg's diary includes references to being at Vlakfontein in 8.01, Orange Kloof in 1.02, and mostly around Dullstroom in the last few months of the war. He also mentions disembodiment at Richmond. Thanks.

Halifax Evening Courier 22 October 1902



Above suggests your man probably served in the Imperial Yeomanry which fits with a "mounted unit".

Does he mention an officer in his diary?

Clegg never mentions his officers, although he mentions the columns he marched in, the last being Col. Park starting in 12.01 and before that Cols. Williams and Hickie. (I assume C.W. Park, E.C. Williams and William Hickie based on the locations and dates).

Mainechicken
There is no "J.E.Clegg" on my invaluable IY CD. However, there are three "J. Cleggs".
22712 J. Clegg who was with 48 Coy, 7BN IY
26346 J. Clegg who was with 103 Coy 2BN IY
2695 J. Clegg who was with 23 Coy, 8BN IY.
As 48th Coy, IY was at Vlakfontein, I suggest you start with that chap. You might access his personal papers on one of the commercial sites.
Good luck with your quest
IL.

Hello,

i have looked at the service papers on Ancestry.

There are no papers for:

22712 J Clegg, 48th Co, 7th IY and 44th Sq, 4th IY
23755 J K Clegg, 23rc Co, 8th IY

There are papers for

42997 John Clegg. Born Rochdale but he attested 17 Jan 1902.

26346 John Clegg born in London, attested 13 Feb 1901, NoK was his mother, Rebecca Clegg, Birmingham. He served in the 103 Warwickshire, 2nd IY. Is that him?

Best wishes
David

Thanks to both of you. Both Maurice/Grant and Amery mention Park's activities around Dullstroom near the end of the war, but unfortunately do not specify the units which he commanded. Maurice and Grant confirm that Park commanded the 4th Mounted Infantry, a reference found in the diary as well, but give no other details.

James Ernest Clegg is definitely the name since his grandson gave the diary to NAM.