TOPIC:

After many years of going around in circles and up dead ends, we finally managed to establish that my late husband's grandfather John Flanigan (correctly one 'n,' but spelt with two in the records), born in Doncaster in 1880, served in the above. As far as we have been able to ascertain, he was awarded the QSA with 5 clasps (Transvaal, O.F.S., Cape Colony, S.A 1901 and S.A 1902) and the British War medal 1914-1920. He received the Freedom of the City of Doncaster on 19th November 1902. I'd love to be able to find out more about his movements during the Boer War, and also, discover what happened to him after 1902.

By 1914, he was a Sergeant in "C" Squadron, 4 S.A.M.R., and after their disbandment became a member of the South African Police serving in Transkei (where three of his five children were born), and the Eastern Cape, but what I don't know is what he did in between. Did he return home to England during the interim and re-enlist in 1914, or did he remain in South Africa in some sort of policing capacity even at that early date? He married a South African girl, of English settler descent, in 1919, and remained in South Africa until his death in 1959.

Hi Tinker,
I have just had a quick look on Find My Past and there is 13 pages of service history for 23068 Pte.J.Flannigan

Paul

Oh, wow! That must have been added recently, as last time I looked there was only basic info! I'll trot off and have a look at that. I'd only confirmed that John was in the S.A.P - family tradition has it that he was a magistrate - a couple of months ago, after wading through reams of baptism images on the FamilySearch site, so we're talking huge strides here!

Paul, a huge thank you for that heads up! I now know that he was discharged from 111 Coy., at Shorncliffe, on 5 July 1902, as medically unfit, and that he was an apprentice coach trimmer with the G. N. R. by trade. Up to now I had no idea what trade he'd been trained in because he was in S. A. by the time the 1901 Census was taken. (His father and one brother were also employed by the G.N.R, while the other brother was a telegraph boy for the G.P.O.)

In spite of being discharged as medically unfit, the army obviously suited him because he was back there by W.W.I. Would he have been actively re-recruited by the army in the aftermath of the Boer War, when it became apparent that there was mopping up to be done, or is it likely that he re-applied on the eve of W.W.I as a result of 'itchy feet' having 'tasted adventure in foreign climes,' as it were? I'm curious to know how he ended up as a Mounted Rifleman.

Also, what cap badge would he have worn during the Boer War: that of the Leicestershires, or an Imperial Yeomanry one? He was with the 2nd Yorkshire and Lancashire Volunteers at the time of his enlistment, I've just discovered.

Hello again Tinker,
I am pleased you are a little further forward with your research.
John is also listed on the forum "Unit information" link below
www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/im...ompany-4th-battalion
Just type his surname into the box.
Had a quick search with reference to your question on the cap badge but not much came up.
You could try posting on this forum
www.britishbadgeforum.com/ some knowledgable members there.

Paul

Hello Tinker,

His SAP history should be available and just the lady to do this for you would be Audrey Portman. Her email address is [email protected]

Regards
Adrian