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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (4) Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (3059 Sgt. J. R. Gittins. Rl. Dublin Fus:)

John Robert Gittins was born in Birmingham in 1867 and attested there for the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 17 August 1888. Promoted Corporal on 3 Octoebr 1889, and Sergeant on 16 March 1893, he transferred to the Army Reserve on 17 August 1895, but was recalled to the Colours on 9 October 1899, and served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War. He was discharged at Naas on 16 August 1901, after 13 years’ service.