Abbie, you can read here about his unit's experiences in South Africa:
www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/im...-lancashire-regiment
Also, I note there's a fellow with the handle: mooke07 on
www.britishbadgeforum.com
who is a specialist in the East Lancashires and especially the 2nd Volunteer Battalion, which Thomas Howarth was in previously. Maybe he can provide further details, esp. as regards the insignia on the shoulder tabs of the men?