Grandfather's medal "Cape Colony 1902"

[keman270460]

I am trying to get further details of the above Boer War medal in my possession. I cannot trace my family history beyond my grandfather (Thomas Manning 6739 Private Middlesex Regiment 1902). We believe he may have changed his name in order to get into the army under age. We also believe that he came originally from Waterford, Ireland and may have had the surname Burrows. Any advice as to how I may research further would be much appreciated. We also have a 1914-18 medal (15217 A-CPL T Manning Machine Gunner Corps).

[robdurk]

Hi

The second Boer War (or the South African War) medals were basically two - the Queen's South Africa medal and, after the death of Victoria, the King's South Africa medal, though there was another 'Victoria' medal awarded to guards in PoW camps. Telling the difference between the King's and Queen's medals should be easy!

The medal you're describing I would guess to be either the QSA or the KSA, with an added clasp titled "Cape Colony". Am I right?

The clasp in question was awarded to troops who saw action in the State of Cape Colony between 11/10/1899 - 31/05/1902 but who weren't eligible for particular 'action' clasps.

The Duke of Cambridge's Own (Middlesex Regiment) records for the period are at the National Archives under WO100 but they cover a much wider period too, so be prepared for a search!

You may find a mention of him at http://www.gazettes-online.co.uk/index.asp?webType=0 if he got a mention in dispatches or 2ndBW medals were specifically listed. I suspect they weren't, but it's worth a quick search.

The records of the Middlesex Regiment should be your best next step though, as with his enlistment you may find details like next of kin and place of birth.

Unfortunately they're only available as microfilm at Kew so glean whatever else you can about him then book your seat!

With the WW1 medal you're probably going to be able to find out a bit more on the net - medal cards listing entitlements are available online at the TNA DocumentsOnline website

Depending on the medal card (and the style of card) you may find out more about his service and will get references to the original rolls which will tell you why and when he got the medal.

Which WW1 medal is it, out of interest? A pic would be good, but if not then just describe it.

Hope that helps

Rob

[Terry Reeves]

The medal in question is the Queens South Africa Medal. The Kings South Arfica Medal had only to possible clasps - South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.

Terry Reeves

[Terry Reeves]

The medal in question is the Queens South Africa Medal. The Kings South Africa Medal had only to possible clasps - South Africa 1901 and South Africa 1902.

Terry Reeves