TOPIC:

Hi Frank,

Mine are definitely copies sent to me by other family members and I don't think anyone has the originals.

Yes that is my family and I have that form too.

Thanks.

Kind regards

Debbie

Debbie,
This particular paper is actually in WO364 and not WO96, are you saying you have his WO364 papers for the Great War?
Anyway, to answer your original questions, you need to see your great aunt's birth certificate, though of couse, I think this particular document does, from an official point of view, actually answer your first question, but, that brings us to your second.
To answer that question, I would think, no, she would not have gone to South Africa, which brings us back to the question of his actual dates of service and the qualification period for the medals, in particular the KSA.
Either, he is not entitled, or, your great aunt's parentage is brought into question,
Interesting is it not?
Frank

Debjs47 wrote: Hi Frank,

Mine are definitely copies sent to me by other family members and I don't think anyone has the originals.

Yes that is my family and I have that form too.

Thanks.

Kind regards

Debbie

Hi Frank,

The form I have with the same info you highlighted is a print out sent to me by an aunt and it says British Army WWI Pension Record 1914-1920. I also have a copy of his sign up form for the Great War.

We have the birth certificate and it says Thomas is the father but that doesn't tally with the times he was serving in South Africa. We assumed that Ada would just put Thomas down as the father because it was easier for her and for my great aunt in those times.

Is there any reason Thomas could have been sent home briefly? I saw something about a slight possibility due to wounds or sickness but he had no scars according to his description at the time of enlisting in 1905, so that just leaves sickness. I would imagine most men would be treated in South Africa because of the gruelling trip home and wanting them back in action ASAP.

Could he still get the 1901 clasp if he had time away from South Africa but had already served enough time prior to that period?

It is very interesting and it's amazing how much information we can find now.

Thanks again Frank.

Kind Regards

Debbie

Debbie,
Your great aunt was conceived in the height of summer 1901, the qualification for a KSA was 18 months in South Africa before the peace treaty.
Regards Frank

Hi Frank,

So does that mean that Thomas definitely can't be my great aunt's dad then?

Kind regards

Debbie

Hello Debbie,
Sorry, I can't answer that question, it is an interesting one though!
Regards Frank