TOPIC:

Hi,
I am the grandson of Mark Gilmour,
I would be interested in finding out a bit more about what Battalion he would have been in and understanding in what way the clasps awarded would be placed on the queens and then kings? SA medal

cheers

Mark Gilmour

Hello Mark
Welcome to this forum, Gilmour joined the army from the militia as an 18 year old in 1895, he served in South Africa from the 15th March 1900 to the 31st of May 1901.
Interestingly, he married on the 24th of July 1901 at home in Scotland.
Both WO97 and WO100 confirm service with 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of the Scots Guards.
He returned to South Africa to serve again in 1902 from the 15th of April 1902 until the 4th of October 1902, a very dangerous time, even though the war had been bought to an end in May, the last few weeks were some of the most cruel of the entire war.
He was discharged from the army on the 15th of July 1911, regarding the medals, he earned both the QSA, with Cape Colony, Transvaal, Wittebergen clasps and the KSA.
If you want to know more about the Scots Guards you can look at the information here on this site, taken from John Stirling's book, select Unit Information from the menu on the left of the screen.
Their museum is at Wellington Barracks in London and it would be worth talking to them too.
Again welcome here,
Frank Kelley

AussieVetGrandpaScotsGD wrote: Hi,
I am the grandson of Mark Gilmour,
I would be interested in finding out a bit more about what Battalion he would have been in and understanding in what way the clasps awarded would be placed on the queens and then kings? SA medal

cheers

Mark Gilmour

Hi Frank,
Thanks for that info, it verify some stuff a cousin found out, and has expanded it! Can you advise re medals if the QSA or the KSA would be the one that would have the clasps?
Appreciate your help in advance and hope all members are well.
Mark

Hello Mark,
Yes, the clasps as mentioned on the QSA and both clasps on his KSA too.
Regards Frank

Thanks again Frank, I assume you mean the three clasps and the change in ruler explains the rest. Do you have any photo archives you could point too of the Scots guard in SA?
cheers
mark

Hello Mark,
The KSA was issued with two clasps to those entitled, ie South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.
When you say "ruler" I assume you mean the king.
I think I would consult the NAM Chelsea and as mentioned, the Guards Museum in respect of photographs.
Regards Frank