Did he serve in the Boer War

[Megan Roberts]

A friend asked me to look for her grandfather's military records. She believes that in addition to WW1 that he fought in the Boer War, and that he enlisted under age.

I think that last statement about age must be wrong because he was born in 1875. He was Alfred Joseph Ogden and was born in Miles Platting, Manchester, but by the 1891 census he had moved to Coppull, Lancashire - without his family.

I have found some records for him in WW1. These are under the name Alfred Ogden and his service number was 183666 in Loyal North Lancs Regiment. I know that it is correct because the medal roll cards give his home address. He was awarded the British War Medal, the Victory Medal and the Silver War Badge, being invalided out in 1916 due to wounds.

Whilst I have not found anything to do with the Boer War I have found on Ancestry a data set called "UK, Military Deserters, 1812-1927", in which the following appears:

Name: Alfred Jos. Ogden
Age: 20
Birth Year: Abt 1874
Birth Place: St. Edmnd's, Manchtr
Desertion Date: 30 Nov 1894
Desertion Place: Mullingar
Publication Date: 11 Dec 1894
Regimental Number: 3555
Military Corps: N. Lancs Regt.


Would I be right in thinking that this is the same chap?

[Pamelawagster]

Was his wife Frances? FMP have a military record for an Alfred Ogden in South Africa 1899-1900 & 1902.
Wife Frances.Address looks like Clinkett Lane,Coppull.

Record is slightly damaged.

There are actually 2 records one with earlier service & SA records. 1 has Father John and sister Elizabeth.27 George Leigh Street,Manchester.

[Megan Roberts]

Thank you. Yes his wife was Frances, and its Clancutt Lane!.

I couldn't find the record you mention. Could you try giving me some more pointers as to where to find it? Sorry if I am being a bit dense!

[Pamelawagster]

Back in touch tomorrow. Will message you direct.

Pam.

[Pamelawagster]

Sent you a PM.

[Megan Roberts]

Using the wonderful information provided by Pam I've put together the following timeline for Alfred Joseph Ogden.

1875 Born son of John and Mary Ann Ogden in Miles Platting Manchester
1884 Mother dies
1886 Father remarries
1891 Has moved to Coppull, and begun working in coal mines
1892 Joins army and is based “at home” until 1896. At home includes Ireland
1894 Deserts at Mullingar, Ireland. Not known how long he was absent or what his punishment was.
1896 Posted to Ceylon for 3 years
1899 Posted to South Africa for 18 months
1900 Posted home for 3 years – note: have not found him in the 1901 census. He was sent home with wounds in April 1900.
1901 Marries Frances in Chorley
1903 South Africa for 3 months
1903 Posted home and discharged November 1904
1905 reenlisted and discharged 4 years later
1911 coal miner in Coppull. He and his wife had had 6 children, 2 of whom had died.
1914 reenlisted. Further child born
1916 invalided out with wounds
1917 last child born
1921 Coal miner in Coppull
1939 Coal miner in Coppull
1961 died aged 85.

[Pamelawagster]

1901

Birtacre Cottages, Coppull, Chorley, Lancashire, England

Alfred J Ogden Boarder 1875
Colliery labourer (above ground)
born, Manchester, Lancashire, England.

Living with

John Morris Head
Mary E Morris Wife
Alfred J Morris son

I think this is his sister Mary Elizabeth.

RG13
Piece number 3939
Folio 65
Page 9
Schedule 50

[Megan Roberts]

Yes I think so too.

Good spot. Thanks.

[Pamelawagster]

Have you seen the prison register fro Alfred Joseph from his desertion? Image & transcription on Ancestry?

[Megan Roberts]

Well spotted. I've also found the record of his court martial, but as its a military file all you can see on Ancestry is the "summary", which doesn't include the outcome. To see the whole thing we will have to wait for a freebee on Fold3!.