TOPIC:

Here's a QSA with SA1902 clasp to:
777 Sowar Gopal Singh, 3rd Bengal Cavalry.

Any information on the unit would be greatly appreciated.

"“The South African war began shortly after the conclusion of the Tirah Campaign, but unfortunately afforded the Regiment no opportunities for active service.” One party of 9 Farriers and Duffadars (& 8 followers) served in South Africa for the duration of the war. A second “party of sixteen men, however, was sent out in 1902 under Risaldar Hanwant Singh for duty with Remounts. And a further twenty-four men were also sent out in 1902. " ( The History of Skinner's Horse. Major A.M.Daniels p 134)

Served with the Remount Depots in Natal during 1902 probable with the third contingent.



_{Homeward Mail, 3rd March 1902}


This medal was previously reported in the "Durbar" - the Journal of the Indian Military History Society (3/3/8 ) & sold at Lockdale 2019 (£80)

It is possible that there are missing medals - I have two incomplete groups with the India '95 medal although their regimental numbers ( 458 & 479 ) & a known group to 217 Sowar Moola Singh are well below Gopal Singh's

Another combination with the QSA that is known is
1914-15 Star: 876 Dfdr. Rattan Singh 3rd Bngl Cvlry
BWM: Jmdr. Rattan Singh 3 Horse
VM: Jmdr. Rattan Singh 3 Horse
IGS 1908 : Afg 1919 Jmdr. Rattan Singh 3 Horse
GSM: S. Persia Rsldr. Rattan Singh (was attached to the Camel Corps)

It's interesting that the 3 Bengal Cav. was designated to consist of Rajpoots (Rajputs). My understanding is that they were landowners and were of diverse religions; Hindu, Muslim, Sikh and Christian. It would be nice to know if Singh was entitled to other medals. Are there nominal rolls for the unit? Thanks very much for the info.; it's of great help and interest to me.
All the very best.

The rolls are available for the QSA at WO 100/296 p153-9. The India Medal Rolls have yet to come on line.

ATB

David

There is a new ( to me ) bronze QSA to "Pte Srvt Risham" at the auction rooms of Audap et Associes. I do not have him on any of my (very incomplete ) data bases. Has anyone got accesss to "Find my Past" or similar to search the QSA rolls for him? Many thanks
_{With acknowledgement to Audap et Associes}

David,

I tried a few name variations and broader searches but found no relevant matches.