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Dear Forum
I have been sorting through quite a few attestation papers during lockdown and filing various paperwork pertaining to QSA recipients. I came across a Bugler whose papers look fine except his name has been crossed out and a new surname added. I have attached some images for you to have a look at. His medal rolls all state G Parsons, he even signed his name on the attestation papers as G Parsons but I was wondering if any one can shine a light on why his surname might have changed from Parsons to Wilkins? I have his QSA with 5 clasps. His KSA is also awarded to G Parsons (Out there somewhere)
I have checked all my other paper work and apart from the odd change of regimental number i.e. 6 changed to 8 and an odd E changed to G and some crossings out on service history. I do not have any more examples which show an alias. Was this a common occurrence? I would love to know what the reasons might be for the change. As ever your invaluable help will be most appreciated.
Best regards,

Dave

Bugler 3956 George Parsons (Alias Wilkins?)
2nd Battalion P A Somerset Light Infantry – attested 27th Feb 1893 12 years’ service.
2 years and 263 days in South Africa. Then on to the Army reserves into 1905. I think he even tried to take up some form of employment in South Africa when in the Army reserves.

Not really so unusual in the nineteenth century, normally papers were amended upon the particular regiment/corps concerned actually becoming aware that a man had enlisted using a false name, you did not need to show a certificate of birth back then.