TOPIC:

Hello,
I have just joined the AngloBoerWar.com group because I am searching for more information on my great uncle's QSA medal.
1. My Uncle's name was William Wright and he served in the Durham Light Dragoons.
2. The medal has two clasps: Laing's Nek and Transvaal.
3. The inscription # is 1662 and next to this is "Pte. E. Wright."
Question: 1. Can anyone tell me what #1662 means?
2. What does Pte. E. Wright Mean. (His name was William...)
Thank you.

V. E. Wright

PS. I have photos of the medals but I am having trouble uploading them. The file is too big.

V.E.Wright
First, welcome to the forum. I am sure you will find members who will be able to assist you in doing research on your GU's QSA.
Might I say that the unit title you mentioned - "Durham Light Dragoons" - is not familiar to me. Is it marked (impressed) on the edge of the medal? The number you mentioned ("1662") would be a Regimental number. "Pte" of course stands for "Private" and it sometimes happens that a recipient's initial(s) are shown incorrectly on a medal.
I think we are going to have to see a pic of the actual naming to proceed any further. I don't know what system you are using - but I usually compress my picture contributions to about 500 x 400.
Regards
IL.

As Linneyl says we will have to see the naming to better inform you. I have tracked down Militia papers for your relative which show that he was born in Sutherland, Durham in 1869. He lived at 29 Delford Terrace and was a 19 year old Labourer when he signed up in 1886.

He served with the Durham Light Infantry in the Boer War and I would expect to find reference to that unit on the rim of his medal (not Dragoons)

Regards

Rory

Welcome V E Wright,

As IL suggests, it appears the medal was named in error as the medal roll shows the correct initial.



In addition to the Queen's Medal, he also earned the King's South Africa Medal with 2 clasps.

Thank you. This is very helpful. I will pass this on to my brother who has the medal. VWJarvis

Hi VE - The unit shown on his militia papers is Durham Light Infantry.

Regards

David