TOPIC:

I have my grandfather's Boer War discharge document. On it is his place of birth and "Attested at Durban on the 15th April 1901 at the age of 23 years".

Does this mean that he signed up for the JMR in Durban?

His discharge was confirmed at Maritzburg, Natal on 24 October 1901.
It is a Certificate of Discharge of No. 1138 Trooper John Wilson.

Is the number listed his number as listed for others in the JMR Roster? Would it be equivalent to a modern serial number?

Good Evening....

1) Yes he would have enlisted in Durban in the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles....

2) His Regimental Number would have been 1138.....

Welcome to the forum....

Mike

MJW wrote: I have my grandfather's Boer War discharge document. On it is his place of birth and "Attested at Durban on the 15th April 1901 at the age of 23 years".

Does this mean that he signed up for the JMR in Durban?

His discharge was confirmed at Maritzburg, Natal on 24 October 1901.
It is a Certificate of Discharge of No. 1138 Trooper John Wilson.

Is the number listed his number as listed for others in the JMR Roster? Would it be equivalent to a modern serial number?

Hello,
He is the only man with that number, though not, with that name, in the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles, in addition he is shown in WO100/253 page 108 and his QSA and Transvaal clasp was issued on the 9th December 1902.
Regards Frank

Thanks for confirming my thoughts vis a vis my grandfather's enlistment location. His number makes sense to me now as a regimental number since the JMR was a territorial and not a regular British army unit.

Trooper John Wilson No 1138 served for 193 days with the JMR. He was dischared in consequence of "time expired" on 24 October 1901. He is noted as "good character" with the trade of "clerk".

His unit continued to fight in the Transvaal "towards the close of 1901 and during the first quarter of 1902" and "in May 1902 ....in the Frankfort district of the Orange Free State."
Why might he have been discharged when the war was still being fought? Was it possible to sign up for a 6 month term of duty?

Thanks Frank. His entitlement to awards is fresh news to me.

What was the QSA? Is it possible for you to send me photographic images of a QSA and a Transvaal clasp which I assume would have been attached to the ribbon of the QSA.

From the menu of the left click on medals and awards, you will find what you are looking for.

MJW wrote: Thanks Frank. His entitlement to awards is fresh news to me.

What was the QSA? Is it possible for you to send me photographic images of a QSA and a Transvaal clasp which I assume would have been attached to the ribbon of the QSA.