TOPIC:

why would medals have been returned,my two uncles never returned from the boer war, they didnt die but remained in SA

Lots of reasons: not claimed/collected, whereabouts of person unknown, not wanted, person never knew about them and so the list could go on. In the case of your two uncles it was only Thomas Mace's medal and additional clasp that were returned to the medal office. Both of them served in colonial units. It was a very common occurrence, especially amongst the colonials. I've found several such instances amongst my Boer War relatives.

Cheers,

Mark

is it possible to still claim them do you know thanks

Lenbudge,

In theory, you can claim any medal that has not been issued.

www.mod.uk/DefenceInternet/DefenceFor/Veterans/Medals/

Regards
David

thank you for your link but it seems you cannot claim medals any earlier than ww11,but it says we can get replicas from a dealer,im not sure about that,will have to keep scratching and thinking thanks again