TOPIC:

I am trying to get some information on my great grandfather. His name is John Cummings, He was in the black watch and I was told he did not see action but was guarding a castle. When I look up his name I get 4 John Cummings. How can I get more information on the John Cummings to see which one was my great grandfather ?? I also not not know what rank he was. Can a person tell by looking at his uniform ??

Keith,

Welcome to the site.

It may be useful to see his uniform as that would give his rank.

I cannot see a J Cummins in the Black Watch in the Boer War. Of the 3 JCs on the site, 1 served in the Seaforth Highlanders, the other 2 served in local South African unit. Of the 4 you mention, one is a duplicate.

I had a look on FindMyPast to see if his service papers have survived. The nearest match is John George Cummings who served in the Black Watch in the Great War.

There is no change you have his service number? Do you have his medals?

Best wishes
David

Thanks David. I do not know his military number or regiment. Here is a picture of my great grandfather

Sorry David but the picture was to big. Here is a picture of my great grandfather in his uniform

Hello Keith
A fine painting of your Great Grandfather indeed. I think the one stripe on his uniform indicates a Lance Corporal.(Private..see Lindens post) The rifle, looking closer seems to have a bolt action. This could be a Lee-Metford Mk1 (1891) or Lee Enfield Mk1 (1898). If at all possible it would be beneficial if you could try and find any extra details of your Great Grandfather. Date of birth, place of birth. There are quite a few John Cummings on Ancestry. The background of the painting looks tropical. It could be Malta, Egypt... Difficult to know without more information. You mentioned a guarding of a possible castle. That could be garrison duties overseas. Sorry for being so vague, but the more detail you can provide the better chance of the forum trying to solve your request.
Regards
Dave

The regiment is the Black Watch Royal Highland Regiment. The chevron on the left sleeve is “ good conduct”awarded every 3 years for being a good boy, two chevron indicates 6 years with a clean charge sheet and so on.