TOPIC:

Frank
Joan's second para of point no.3 in post 12623 led me to think that the lady might be heading down an unprofitable path; "ggm emigrated to Aust. in 1880 so the medal being sent on the HMS AUSTRALIA is likely another clue. etc etc". What I was trying to emphasise (perhaps clumsily) is that ggm emigrating to OZ and the medal being sent to the ship of that name was just happenstance. Certainly not suggesting your research was at fault!
Regards
IL.

Thank you all for your insight and knowledge. I am not familiar with detailed Boer War history but the more I learn the more interesting it becomes.
Because I have no other avenues to follow about FR, I feel that following up this lead is my last chance to find him. A few clues fit so if possible I hope to get his personal details which could link him to my Ross family.
I looked at the Kew site to find it very confusing. I will try again later as they may have a researcher there who could assist, depending on the cost.
Regards
Joan.