TOPIC:

Hi, can anyone help with some info, my grandmother always told me that my grandfather was at spion kop, and helped with the wounded. I have obtained a old family photo, which states on the bottom, 2nd divisional field hospital Volksrust Boer War, would anyone know if this unit was present there or am I clutching at straws, my grandfather 12034 Pte Richard Goodner is third from left front row and I still have some of his field medical kit.





regards SAXON.

Saxon

The Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corps were present at Spioenkop. A check of their roll may reveal your grandfather's name. Some NVAC men went on to serve in the Imperial Hospital Corps and they may be the men shown in the Volksrust photo.

Regards
Brett

Goodner served in the RAMC, not the NVAC, he is shown in WO100 as serving with both the 1st Corps Troops Field Hospital and interestingly, the 14th Stationary Field Hospital Maritzburg, he would not have been on the Kop, however, he might well have assisted the many wounded from the Kop, whilst working in Pietermaritzburg.

I checked and there are no service papers available for Pte Goodner sadly.

Richard Goodner continued to serve in the RAMC and a brief look at WO372 shows service with the 5th Field Ambulance in the Great War, he was discharged on the 23rd of March 1916 having served in France with the BEF from the 19th of August 1914, interestingly, he claimed his clasp to his 1914 Star too.
It is possible that his papers may he survived, or indeed, perhaps partially, survived in WO363, but, sadly a manual search would not normally be possible and there are no available folio for him.
Notwithstanding, still a very interesting man though and you can certainly be proud of him.

thank you frank, an elderly relative died recently and knew of my interest in the boer war and I have now got post cards mentioning 5th Field Ambulance, letters and photos, and all his medals,best regards saxon.