TOPIC:

Hello, I've recently started researching my ancestor Albert Edward Grace, born in Great Bedwyn on 12th June 1873, and wonder if anyone can help me. I believe he may have been involved in the second Anglo-Boer war. I have found two attestations for the Royal Berkshire Regiment in that name, with that place of birth, one in 1896 and one in 1900, each with a different service number. Firstly, is it possible for a person to be given a second service number if they left the army then rejoined, meaning this could be the same person? Secondly, is it possible the ages are inaccurate? The first document implies 1874 dob and the second, 1876, neither of which are totally correct for my great-grandfather, although they are close. Is there any way I can look into this further and find out more details in order to confirm whether or not it actually is him? (I can't find another likely A E Grace on Ancestry or other websites.) I'd be really grateful if anyone can give me any clues/hints/advice as to how to proceed - thank you in advance.
: ) GraceFam

Hello GraceFam
Welcome to the forum.
Do you know if your Great Grandfather was ever wounded during his time with the Berkshire's? Regimental number 6362 pertains to the 3rd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment. What is the other number you have for him? There is a medal roll for 6362 with a QSA with clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal and a KSA. Marginal notes suggest he may have been severely wounded. Also, do you have any recollection of your G Grandfather being proficient in Horse riding? The paperwork I found was for his attestation into the milita. If you can provide details of what you have so far, the forum may be able to help further.



Dave.......

PS...Sometimes records and regimental numbers were mistaken. For example the South African Field Force records A Grace being severely wounded at Veereening in 1901. The rank recorded as Lieutenant. However, there is a regimental number 5352 attached. In my humble opinion I believe that this transcription is wrong. I think it should read 6362 and could possibly be your ancestor. I checked another soldier on the list who was also recorded as a Lieutenant. .J Waters , this chap was also a Private. So there were certainly anomalies recorded regarding regiment numbers and ranks. Also your G Grandfather on Ancestry reference the 1911 census records his age as 28. If you read the original document it is 38. So modern transcribed documents can also contain errors.
Also, it was not unusual for recruits to give false birth dates to enlist.

Dave - on FMP there are a second set of Militia attestation papers attributed to Albert Edward Grace born in Great Bedwyn. His service number is 4942 and the militia unit is 3rd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment. He attested on 12th February 1896 and his age is given as 21 years and 10 months. When he attested as 6362 in the 3rd Battalion Berkshire Regiment on 12th March 1900 he was 24 years old. Thus one says he was born in 1874 but the later one 1876 whereas he was really born in 1873. In my experience "mistakes" with age are not uncommon but usually with a reason - either to hide them being under or over age. This obviously does not apply in this case and one is left with the thought that Albert was not sure when he was born. Both sets of attestation/service papers are the usual 3 pages for the Militia and neither gives any sign of overseas service let alone South Africa. I have searched the newspapers of the day for an appearance on casualty lists using both 6362 and your suggestion of 5352 and drawn a blank. In my South Oxon days, whilst exploring the Kennet & Avon Canal, I was surprised to discover Great Bedwyn which I felt ought to be in Wales. David.

Thank you Dave and David! It does seem that there are data errors. I need to see what I can find out from relatives (not sure there's much actual info, other than a vague idea, so I may not be able to confirm anything). I will be asking about whether or not he could ride a horse! They were living in a very rural area, mainly agricultural labourers, so it's possible. If only the birthdates matched up - really interesting idea that he may not have actually been sure of his age. It's all fascinating though - I knew nothing about the Boer Wars, so am enjoying learning. Thanks for all your info and thoughts!

Information as mentioned above for your records.
My hunch is that your Great Grandfather was Private A E Grace 3rd Battalion Royal Berkshire Regiment 6362. Served with the Mounted Infantry Section.
Please keep the forum posted on your future findings.

Discharged unfit for service 1902.


Medal roll for Private 6362 A E Grace.....see margin note. Another possible anomaly regarding the wounded date?


South African Field Force entry for A Grace.

Regards

Dave.......

Hello GraceFam.

I can add that Albert Edward Grace has a file in the PIN 71 series of soldiers invalided to pension under reference PIN 71/2890. His entry shows his enlistment in 1899 and death in 1953. These files aren't available online and require a visit to the National Archives. They're usually extensive and in my experience run from 40 to 300 pages with the average around 120. They typically include details of pension awards, medical reports, conduct sheets, death certificate and correspondence between the man and the Ministry of Pensions.

I have a large number of these files but because of my location I've never been to the NA. I use the services of a well known researcher who knows the PIN 71 series inside out. He digitally photographs every page and sends the file by Wetransfer which you can then download on your computer. I also upload it to CD as back up. He's provides a prompt service and is very reasonably priced. If you would like his details PM me and I'll be happy to send them to you.

Albert is shown as possibly wounded on the medal roll but doesn't appear on the casualty roll. However, the casualty roll is far from 100% accurate. His discharge may well have been due to wounds although it's possible he was discharged due to sickness.

David