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Hi there,

I am researching my Family tree and discover that my Maternal Grandfather Pte J. Wright 5167, a Stirling man, served in the second dragoons. I have his QSA medal with 3 clasps - South Africa 1902, Transvaal and Cape Colony. I would like to discover more about his career. All I can find meantime says that he was discharged by purchase but no one can enlighten me on the processes by which this was possible. I would be grateful for any assistance in my search.

Kind regards

Muir Rig

Muir Rig wrote: Hi there,

All I can find meantime says that he was discharged by purchase but no one can enlighten me on the processes by which this was possible. I would be grateful for any assistance in my search.

Kind regards

Muir Rig

Good Morning Muir Rig......

At that time a man could purchase his discharge from the army..... If he signed on for 7 years and served lets say 3 he could pay the army for his discharge early the remaining 4 years...... This was set up on a sliding scale depending on the amount of service you had left......

If you Google "Discharge by Purchase" you will see several articles......

Mike

John Wright was discharged from the Grey's at his own request for a payment of £18!
Silly really, one of the finest cavalry regiments in the British Army, so many men could not wait to join, yet, he wanted to leave!

"Those terrible grey horse's, how they fight!

Frank,

How does £18 compare to his annual salary at the time?

With thanks
David