TOPIC:

Hello
I've been H'ours de combat since 2012, but I'm back on earth now!
I'm trying to research two names on an O.V.S. marked Webley revolver. The names are on the holster, actually.

One is J. HARMSE written in Dutch/German style.
The other is JOHN BESTER. Below Besters name are several place names as well as "despatch rider" .

In the British army, what units would have used despatch riders? Was that an official position/title?
Thanks
Old Guy

Welcome back Leedoug,

There are quite a few men named Harmse on the ABO roll and 6 with the forename starting with J (and all have second names). I can list these for you if that would help?

There is no John Bester on the ABO roll but there are a few colonial men called J Bester on the rolls and these men would more likley have been involved in working at despatch riders.

An interesting item!

Hello David,
I'm thinking that John Bester may have been a British soldier, whose position was "despatch rider".
Where do I go to search the British army Boer War rolls??

This Webley was brought back (captured?) by Lieut. the Honourable T.C. Fitzherbert (Hussars), brother of Baron Stafford and stayed in the family till 1997 when it came to the U.S.

Thanks for the quick response.
Doug