TOPIC:

I am researching one of my ancestors Dr Leslie Haden Guest who was in the army medical corps and then stayed on after 1902 for a few years working as a doctor for the local population.
My grandfather Richard Haden Guest was a born in Zastron on 20th July 1904. I have a few old photos LHG took.
I am interested to find out more about his time and work in Orange Free State both in the British Army and afterwards. I found his British army service medal but that is all so far. Suggestions and help welcome. At the beginning of WW1 he set up hospitals with the Red Cross in Paris.
Thanks Martin Stanley

Welcome to the Forum, Martin.

Leslie Haden Guest is some ancestor to have!



The above article from the Manchester Evening News 23rd January 1918 does not mention his MC which he won later in 1918.

I have found regular mentions of him in the British Newspapers from 1910 until his death in 1960.

He has a Wikipedia page:
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leslie_Haden-Guest,_1st_Baron_Haden-Guest

thanks for these.
there is quite alot of material of his later work when he worked for LLC and became an MP and also he wrote a few books and report for parliamentary committees. my main interest is to find details of his early career.
Martin Stanley

Hello Martin
Welcome to the forum.
Your man is very well documented on Ancestry and FMP. However, reference his time in South Africa during the Boer War? It looks like he didn't enter the conflict until 1902.
He certainly served as a Civil Surgeon. He was entitled to a Queens South Africa medal with 3 clasps. Cape Colony, Orange Free State and the 1902 date bar.

The 1901 census has him residing in London with his 1st wife Clara.
I will try and delve a little deeper reference his time in S A after 1902.

He went on to serve in WW1 working his way up the ranks with the RAMC.
I have attached a few details for your records. After the war he travelled far and wide during the 1920s.


1901 Census




Medal Roll QSA


1911 Census


Medal Index card WW1



Dave....

Thanks Dave,
I am also researching his work with Red Cross in Paris at beginning of WW1 setting up hospital at hotel Majestic for wounded soldiers. I have the list of the nurses and staff at the unit many of whom were awarded medals.
Best regards,
Martin

Martin - my original newspaper search was for "Leslie Haden Guest" but I have found searching for "L Haden Guest" throws up a lot more including the conclusion that he was residing in the UK until late 1901 - in October 1901 he had a letter published & in December 1901 it was reported he was a candidate for the executive of the Fabian Society. From 1902-1904 he does not get a mention in the papers as far as I can see but reappears in 1905. So that all fits with what Dave has discovered and his involvement in the Second Boer War being limited to 1902. There are many references to him and write-ups on him, including one by the Marxist Society, which refers to him as an "extreme right wing socialist"! All this wealth of information only ever tells us he served in the Second Boer War and never give any detail.

Are you aware that Southampton University hold the personal and family papers of his sister-in-law Gladys, Lady Swaythling which seem to include some correspondence to and from "Dr Leslie Haden Guest". Perhaps one might have been sent from South Africa. I am sure you must be aware of the Blue Plaque on a house near the National Army Museum and the memorial to him in an Essex Church.

David.