TOPIC:

I'm looking for my great grandfather's QSA:

29532 Pte. John Bainbridge, Rand Rifles Mine Division.

Also those of his two brothers:
29526 Sjt. Matthew Bainbridge
29515 Cpl. Christopher Bainbridge (Both Rand Rifles Mine Division)

It is unclear if John Bainbridge's QSA was ever issued as there appears to be some confusion on WO 100/266 with a man with the same name (28189 Pte. John Bainbridge) also in the Rand Rifles (Vallentin's Heidelberg Volunteers/Nigel Mine Guards) who had also served with the Scottish Horse, Dukes, PAG & TMI.

Thanks,

Mark

Hello Mark,

I seem to be forgetting a few things, old age:unsure:

I recall copying the attestation paper to a Bainbridge of the Rand Rifles, did I do this for you?

Cheers

Adrian

Hi Adrian,

Spot on. Yes, you copied them for me about six months ago. It was with your help that I was able to establish that there were two John Bainbridges in the Rand Rifles and based on the info in the attestation papers, confirm which my great grandfather was. You sent me attestation papers for Matthew and Christopher as well and with those I was able to confirm that they were my great grandfather's brothers.

John died in 1909. He had just two children; my grandmother and great uncle. My great uncle had no children and all his belongings went to my grandmother. My father was an only child so he inherited all the family heirlooms when his mother died. He has no recollection of ever seeing any medals belonging to his grandfather.

When John died his family went through some hard times. They returned to England and I guess it is possible that my great grandmother sold it at some point. Then again, it's possible the QSA was never actually issued to John. If it is out there somewhere I would very much like to find it. As I would for those of his brothers.

Cheers,

Mark