TOPIC:

Two articles in the same South Wales newspaper, four months apart - Sergeant George Perrot and Private George Perrott. The same man? I've looked on Find A Grave, but neither spelling is listed there.

"A smoking concert was held at the Royal Hotel on Monday evening for the benefit of Sergeant George Perrot, who has served his King and country for a period of seven years. After his return from India to his mother country, where he had a short stay for about four months, he was called away to serve in the late war in South Africa. Here again he served about two years and a half. Being a reservist, he was called up about the first, and sent immediately to the lines, where he distinguished himself in the relief of Ladysmith. There was a fair gathering present to appreciate the services of Sergeant George Perrot. Dr. T. L. Morgan, Clydach Vale, presided and eulogised the services of Sergeant George Perrot in South Africa."

(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 1st November 1902)
"On Saturday week [7.3.1903] the death occurred of Private George Perrott, who died at the residence of his sister, Mrs. Rowlands, at 19, Queen Street, Ton, from pneumonia. Deceased had been for 14 years in the 41st (Welsh Regiment)), and only got off the Reserve list a fortnight before his death. During that time he spent several years in India. On the outbreak of hostilities he was ordered out to South Africa and went through the whole campaign, being present at six general engagements, and was wounded three times. On his return he received an enthusiastic reception at Tonypandy, and subsequently he resided with his sister. Since his return he had not been in the best of health, and about ten days prior to his decease he contracted pneumonia. He was a single man, 35 years of age, and latterly had been working at the Bwllfa Colliery. For his services in South Africa he received the late Queen's medal with six bars, and was one of the 24 selected to receive the pipes given by Queen Alexandra to the regiment. He was laid up with enteric fever when the chocolate boxes were distributed, but he received it about a fortnight before his death, and the King's medal will also be forwarded to his relatives. The funeral took place on Wednesday at Lethrddu Cemetery, Trealaw. Several of his old comrades acted as bearers, and a number of the 3rd (Pentre) detachment of Volunteers and the band turned out. Among the wreaths sent were one from his old comrades who fought with him side by side; one from Mr. D. J. Charles, reporter; and another from Mr. Auckland, Llanelly, late of Pentre. The Revs. J. Mathews, Pentre, and E. Richards, Tonypandy, officiated. At the graveside the usual custom at a military funeral of firing three volleys was gone through., the scene at the graveside being most affecting. The chief mourners included the father, brother, and three sisters."

(The Rhondda Leader, Saturday 14th March 1903)

They would appear to be the same man, service papers on FmP for 2958 George Perrott, although his death is not noted on his papers. Some details differ from the newspapers, 2958 is not recorded as being promoted to Sergeant, 2958 Perrott served in the Relief of Kimberley not Ladysmith. 2958 earned 4 clasps not 6 to the QSA, 2958 is recorded as wounded once, not three times (hit in three places?).

And finally Perrott is not on the Welsh National Memorial.

SWB wrote: Some details differ from the newspapers, 2958 is not recorded as being promoted to Sergeant, 2958 Perrott served in the Relief of Kimberley not Ladysmith. 2958 earned 4 clasps not 6 to the QSA, 2958 is recorded as wounded once, not three times (hit in three places?).

That first article did strike me as being slightly odd, in the way that three times he was referred to as Sergeant George Perrot. There just seemed to be a degree of over-emphasis there.