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I am interested in the above named having read a previous post relating to pocket watches. He was the CO of the above and also the manager of the local bank.He received the Victorian Decoration for long service.
Does anyone know why he didn’t go to South Africa with the battalion? Thanks Crater

Captain Doswell was associated with A Company 2nd Volunteer Battalion Wiltshire Regiment, but there is no record of him serving in South Africa. He doesn’t appear in the medal rolls and there is no mention of him in surviving regimental records.

I puzzled over this man for a long time. He is mentioned in my book but only in the newspaper article regarding the presentation of the watches.

I never found his service record. I didn’t know about him being a bank manager but perhaps that is the reason why he didn’t go to South Africa. With no service record I don’t know his age. Perhaps that or health was also a consideration.

Sydney Edward Doswell
Born circa 1845, Beckington Wiltshire
Bank Manager, active member of the Masons.
British Army lists suggest his Captaincy in the Wiltshire Volunteer Battalion as of January 1889.
I do not think he was ever married. He died in November 1927. No details on active service abroad. As Ian has mentioned, his profession may have been the reason he did not serve in South Africa. Also, he would have been 54 years old at the start of the conflict. A possible contender for a Victorian Captain Mainwaring perhaps?(

Dave......

IMG_5005. Thank you…He was also an honorary major when he retired.These show the newspaper article. That was 1909 and whilst there was no retirement age for bank managers it suggests he was at least y-years. Also he name is not on the Boer War Memorial of those who went. Again thank you..he couldn’t receive a watch for a service he didn’t take part in. Crater[attachment=55249]IMG_5005.
Thank you…He was also an honorary major when he retired.These show the newspaper article. That was 1909 and whilst there was no retirement age for bank managers it suggests he was at least y-years.
Also he name is not on the Boer War Memorial of those who went.
Again thank you..he couldn’t receive a watch for a service he didn’t take part in.
Crater

Thanks Dave..I agree with Mainwaring…I was out a bit on his age but I agree for non service plus the retirement in 1909 indicates age related. Crater