TOPIC:

I am looking to verify my Great Grandfather's involvement in the Boer War. I have info that he was indeed a sergeant in the 2nd Prince of Wales Own Regiment, based in York and that he was involved at the Relief of Ladysmith, in the Orange Free State. He was awarded 2 medals, one during Queen Victoria's reign and the other in King Edward VII's reign. (have not seen medals). Some time later John "did something wrong"and was demoted to Corporal. (about 1906) but in 1913 he was a Sergeant again. Both my Grandfather and his sister were born at the Infantry Barracks,York UD, Yorkshire. John Wesley died in the Military Hospital of a carcinoma of the mouth, aged 33 years and 11 months old on June 14th,1913. He was buried in a paupers grave in the York cemetary. I DO have his original footlocker....

Hello and thank you for your message. To help narrow the search, do you have his regimental number by any chance?

Regards
David

I had another look and think I found his number, 4693.

If this is the right man, he is listed for the 2nd West Yorkshire Regiment on the QSA roll (WO100/175p267) for the clasps OFS Tr Tugela Heights RoL and Laing's Nek. The KSA with 2 clasps is listed on WO100/324p73.

I did search for any papers for him but failed to find any.

Regards
David

Hi David, unfortunately I don't have much more to go on. I do have a photo of him in uniform with the medals if that would be any help. He has John Wesley on his foot locker but was also referred to as Wesley John. He may have also been "Barker"or "Barker Thompson"as his Father died when he was young and his stepfather took the name Thompson himself. (All weird I know!!!)

Regards
Lauren

Hi again David,

I have been told his Reg Number is 4693.....Hope this is correct. His wife and 2 children were living in "Assage Married Quarters, Circular Rd, Commandery Office Quarters, Abbey Field, Colchester on the 1911 Census.

I can't find where he was then.

Hope this helps with a discovery.

Hi David, I have found him in the 1911 Census as well. He was at he barracks with the other soldiers.

Can you tell me anything more about his service re the initial question??

Cheers
Lauren