TOPIC:

Hello Sam,
Okay, WO97 and WO100 are the files containing his service papers and his medal roll details, the originals are at Kew, because of the engraving, the lighter cannot really be related to the battle and it must date from before, he could have served Wauchope in some way.
Very nice items and great that his service papers have survived too!
Interestingly, he was paid the £5 South African War Gratuity.
Kind regards Frank

ArchieDoug wrote: Dear Frank
Thanks for your quick reply
The engraving says
December Then a date I can't make out
From
AG Wauchope
DSO
Black Watch
I'm a complete novice to all this what is/does WO97 and 100 mean and where's best to search for the regimental accounts?
Kind regards
Sam

Dear Frank
Oh I see! I visited Kew several years ago to search for his records and managed to find one! It wasn't very clear or had much info. Did you find his records online? I think you may be right he may have been given lighter before the battle? Another daft question what/why was a gratuity paid?
Regards Sam

Hello Sam,
The Gratuity was for his services in the Anglo Boer War, don't forget he was invalided, not much, I know, but rather better than bugger all, interestingly, he gives his next of kin as his uncle a certain John McDonald of Dumfries.
Regards Frank

ArchieDoug wrote: Dear Frank
Oh I see! I visited Kew several years ago to search for his records and managed to find one! It wasn't very clear or had much info. Did you find his records online? I think you may be right he may have been given lighter before the battle? Another daft question what/why was a gratuity paid?
Regards Sam

Incidentally Sam,
The QSA is missing the South Africa 1901 clasp, I would just add that if I were you, after, of course, adding the little piece of all important ribbon, silk if possible!
Regards Frank

Incidentally Frank

The medals are still buried since 1937...

Regards

Rory

No they can't be, there is a digital photo here on this thread, perhaps they have been reburied?

Rory wrote: Incidentally Frank

The medals are still buried since 1937...

Regards

Rory