Genealogy Chat

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A few months ago I posted on here that I had found a photo that I believed to be my great Grandfather. He is wearing a WW1 era Army uniform. Going by the badges that are just visible, I think he was in the Royal Army Medical Corps, East Yorkshire Regiment. I recently met a relative who is descended from my great Grandfather’s brother. He thinks that my g Grandfather used to have a room at his Grandfather’s house, and he remembers it contained quite a few souvenirs from Africa - shields, spears etc. So we were thinking that this could point to him having being in the Boer War. My problem is, my great Grandfather appears on the 1901 census and gives his occupation as painter (which he was). So, my question is, would he have had leave from the Boer War? Or could he have been sent home for some reason and not stayed until the end of the war? I’m really quite confused now and would appreciate any thoughts or suggestions. Jeanette x

Don't know about the Boer War but WWI was fought in part in Africa so they could be WWI souvenirs

I didn't know that Elizabeth! It would make more sense to me for him to have been in WW1 as there is a gap from my great Aunt being born in 1912 to my Grandma being born in 1920, if you get my drift! lol Jeanette x

Have a look at 1914-1918.net - lots of information, and knowledgeable people, too. Joy

Jeanette, There were two Boer Wars, the first in the late 1800's. If he was a professional serviceman then he could have served in the first, left Army by time of 2nd, but recalled for WW1. Another possibility! Ian

The 1st Battalion East Yorks were in South Africa from 1888-1893 when they moved to Egypt, how old was he in 1901? Keith

Sorry I haven't replied sooner. I had to go out. My great Grandfather was born in 1881. When I was looking into this before, I downloaded 4 WW1 medal cards with his name on that fitted the bill. Of course they weren't much use as I didn't know his service number, so couldn't be sure which one was him. Jeanette x

Joy What a brilliant site. I could be sat here reading for some time! lol. But I have discovered something quite interesting. Under 'New Armies' I found this 6th (Service) Battalion (Pioneers) Formed at Beverley, 27 August 1914, as part of K1. August 1914 : attached to 32nd Brigade, 11th (Northern) Division. December 1914 : became the Pioneer Bn to the Division. The 11th (Northern) Division Summary history of the division The Division came into existence of Army Order No.324, issued on 21st August 1914, authorising the formation of the six new Divisions of K1. It was formed of volunteers, under the care of the War Office. Initially without equipment or arms of any kind, the recruits were judged to be ready by late Spring 1915, and it was ordered to reinforce the beleagured garrison on Gallipoli. They then moved on to France and spent the rest of the war there. Beverley is just up the road from us.

Yes, Jeanette, one of my favourites! and free. Joy

I'm just looking at the bit where it tells you how to read the info on the medal cards and I've already managed to dismiss two of the four cards I downloaded.

Jeanette, could your gt gt Grandfather have fought in the zulu Wars 1879 and passed them down to your gt Grandfather?. i

Hi Ian Yes I suppose there is always that chance. He would have been 40ish at the time. Or perhaps they did come back from the Boer War, but it could have been another brother that fought in that war. My great Grandfather had several brothers. Good thinking Ian! Going back to my great Grandfather. Do you know if when they signed up to join the army, would they have joined locally, or would they have gone elsewhere in the county. After having studied quite a few cap badges, I think it must be an East Yorkhire Regiment cap badge, although the photo isn't very clear.

hi jeanette,we was at war 1887 in west africa again in 1892- 1894 , 1896-1899 british east africa,1898-1899 sierra leone, boer war 1899-1902, 1901 east africa again, somaliland 1901-1904, hope it helps tony

Thanks Tony. That's really interesting. Didn't we go to war a lot?

Sorry Jeanette, I dont no how they recruited it just seemed that gt grandfather born 1881, was 2 yrs after the Zulu Wars, and perhaps his father was there.