TOPIC:

I have a QSA awarded to 2362 Pte Thomas Kelbie Gordon Highlanders. I found his militia papers ok in which his trade was described as Piper. Unfortunately I cant find his service papers which cover the Boer War period . Can anyone advise why they might not be available .I was searching Find My Past. I am new to that site so I may not be searching in the right place. Any advice is appreciated

Hello Nemesis

Those papers do cover the ABW. He served from the 3rd bn with the 2nd bn in South Africa. The service number on the medal, medal roll and papers match. Also the papers state he was "embodied', that is taken on active service for the war.

Although it is shame the details on the service papers are brief, it is an interesting medal. He was a civilian soldier embedded into a regular battalion to bring it up to strength.

Regards
Meurig

Meurig thanks for taking the time to reply. And I take your point that the papers do cover the ABW. Any advice on What can I do to find out if he was employed as a Piper in the Regiment ?

nemesis wrote: Meurig thanks for taking the time to reply. And I take your point that the papers do cover the ABW. Any advice on What can I do to find out if he was employed as a Piper in the Regiment ?

Good question. The regimental history may say, I would try and find a Gordon's or Piper specialist - try the BMF.

So far there is no record of Thomas Kelbie in any UK Birth Death or Marriage registers. The only official record of his existance is his Militia Papers and the Medal Roll. He signed the militia papers with a "X" . Will keep looking.