TOPIC:

I am a Grandson of Willaim Shepherd (George William Shepherd on his birth certificate) from Liverpool born 20/12/1884 and Died 31/01/1966 retiring as a steeplejack in the Walton district. During WW1 1914-1918 he served in The Kings Royal Rifle Corps 2nd Battalion (medal reads 5180 Pte W Shepherd 2/K.R.RIF.C) landing in Le Harve 13/08/1914. I understand from family conversations that he also served?? in the Boer War 1899-1902 and lied about his age since he would be about 16 when enlisted in 1900.
Could anyone who has any relevant information please post same.
Best Regards
Allan

Hello Allan

Have you checked the medal rolls and service papers on Ancestry?

He could well have enlisted in 1900 but not served in the Anglo-Boer War.

Regards
Meurig

Many thanks for the fast response. I have checked out the Ancestry website with no recognition for William Shepherd and the only section regarding the Boer War appears to be "UK Casualties of Boer War 1899-1902"
Not sure if I am "reading" the site correct?
Best Regards
Allan

Allan,

Ancestry is not the easiest site to use! The medal rolls:

search.ancestry.co.uk/search/db.aspx?dbid=1686

Regards
Meurig

Hello Meurig
I tried your link and came up with nil for George William but 25 for William and 8 for George?? Even more confused now so I might wait until I have some response from distant relatives or try the Ancestry free 14 day trial. Is there any reason(s) why this dedicated website would not locate my Grandfather or indeed any of the 33 mentioned? If he enlisted but did not serve where would that information be?
Best Regards
Allan

Hello Allan,

Typically medal rolls don't record the first names so he just be "GW" or "G" - they didn't always use all the middle names either. But, as you have his army number then it possible to be fairly certain he is not listed.

The service papers usually state where a soldier served - this is where you can confirm where he was in 1900.

Regards
Meurig