Dave F wrote: Hello Russ
Is it possible you could provide a date of birth and where Thomas might have been born?
This sometimes helps with searching for military records.
His service number does suggest he joined circa 1893. The 2nd Dragoon Guards arrived in South Africa in December 1901. If he served his full 12 years he would have been discharged around 1905. He may have been entitled to a pension. If you could provide any more clues regarding Thomas,the forum may be able to find out more details.
Dave........
Dave - thanks for your reply.
Do Service Records survive for Boer War soldiers? If so, where can I find them?
I have him on the 1901 Census (compiled 31/03/1901) with his unit, 2nd Dragoon Guards, in Barracks at Aldershot. He is recorded as being 28 years old, married and born in Nelthorpe, Oxon. I can't find a Nelthorpe anywhere !
I have found his wife living in accommodation in Aldershot
In the 1911 Census I have him living in Middlesbrough as a Tram Driver. He is recorded as being 35 years old (re 28 in 1901 !!) and born in Banbury, Oxfordshire. His wife is the same lady I found in the 1901 census in Aldershot, so these are the same man.
I'm not sure I can piece his Service History quite together........
Joined Jan 1893 for 7+5 - deduced from his number 4175 - assuming he joined the 2/DG direct rather than being transferred from a different unit enlisted into at an earlier date.
Seven years take us to Jan 1900 but given the SA war I assume he was retained for an 8th year. Takes it to Jan 1901 but he is evidently off to SA in Dec 1901 with the 2/DG - so he must have stayed on further? Is that possible/likely?
The Rolls are compiled 08/1902 (medal) and 02/1903 (claps) and he is with the 4th Provisional Regiment of Dragoons for both Rolls - so he has still not yet transferred to the Reserves it seems. Either way, I assume he was indeed discharged in 1905.
I have him joining the Military Mounted Police (MMP) late 1914, with the BEF in Sept 1915 but discharged Dec 1915 - I can find no WW1 service records for him. This information comes from a WW1 Pension Index Card. I understand many MMPs were ex Cavalry men with, I assume, blemish free records !
Anything you or others can add would be much appreciated.
Regards
Russ