TOPIC:

Hi, names Chay. I just recently had a medal passed down to me, I have figured out that it is the Queens South Africa Medal and what all the clasps mean. But I'm a bit puzzled on the writing on the side, the name on the side is W. Reynolds, the regiment is 18th Batt R.F.A. I assume 27627 would be his service number but what I assume would be the rank DR (R is smaller with a line under it), I can't figure out what rank that is. Some help would be appreciated, I'm a huge history fan a finding a family member that has serve is amazing as I don't know much about my family history. Also any history on his service would be great to know if it can be found and much help. Thanks ( I can post a picture of it later if needed).

Dr is the abbreviation for "Driver". In those times the guns were conveyed by teams of horses. The Driver was in fact the rider who would control and maneuver the horses.
His papers survive and are downloadable on FMP

Hi, thanks for the help. I guess the FMP is 'Find my Pass'.

Hi, FMP = Find My Past

Pycraft
Just now I had a look on my Royal Artillery QSA roll and on WO100/141 for 18th Bty., RFA, Driver W. Reynolds received the following clasps on his QSA: "Modder River", Paardeburg","Johannesburg" and with "Cape Colony" disallowed. There is a marginal note next to Reynold's name which reads "with 7 Divl. A. Colm"; which translates to "With the 7th Divisional Ammunition column".
"Modder River" relates to a quite important battle on 28th November 1899, "Paardeburg" relates to the battle fought to take Gen. Cronje's laager and supporting operations, 17-26th Feb., 1900, and "Johannesburg" relates to actions on 31st May 1900 to capture the city of that name.
If you go to Unit Information (at left) and scroll through you may find a digest of the service of 18th Bty., RFA .
You may find more information on one of the commercial sites.
Good luck with your quest.
IL.

Hi LinneyL, thanks for this information give me some more knowledge into him. Got one question though, we're you have put 'with "Cape Coloney" disallowed' what does this mean.