Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-80

[davidrossiter]

Garen,

Not a problem, it would seem then that there was a HQ Coy, in which case I imagine as you say it was elements of this company that stayed behind to deal with the defence of Kandahar (QMs dept etc).

Have done a bit of looking around I think that the British Army had begun to phase out grenadier and light companies, although many battalions still use this designation for Companies into the present day. I think in the 66th because the designation of Companies was A-H that the light and grenadier companies had by this point been removed.

I am not sure whether that site I quoted had perhaps just put anyone who died during the war or could not be accounted for afterwards as being killed at Maiwand.

Thanks for the email address!

Kind Regards,

David

[Garen]

Not a problem, it would seem then that there was a HQ Coy, in which case I imagine as you say it was elements of this company that stayed behind to deal with the defence of Kandahar (QMs dept etc).

One of the maps I did for the Maiwand book has the front line of the 66th Companies (H, F, D, C and B, with G 1300 yards back with the baggage) and then just behind the front line the "headquarters group" - the two Colours (the Queen's with 2nd Lt. Olivey and the Regimental with 2nd Lt. Honywood), then behind them Lt-Col. Galbraith, Major Oliver, Lt. Rayner and Sgt Major Cuppage.

Thanks for the email address!

A pleasure!

- G

[tjpatti]

Hi Garen

I hope you can help me. My 3x great grandfather fought in the 2nd Afghan War with the 60th Rifles. From photographs, it would seem that he was awarded 4 medals, one with a clasp. I wonder if you could give me some information about him from the Medal Rolls? His name was George Needs Long.

Kind regards and thanks,

Teresa

[Garen]

Hello Teresa

Looking at the Afghan war medal roll for the 60th Foot I only see one George Long - Private no. 1658, no clasps on his Afghan medal, no Kandahar Star, and discharged before Mar 1882 when the roll was gathered (he may have beed discharged before 1880, which might explain his lack of Ahmed Khel and Kandahar clasps).

Have you checked Find My Past to see if his service record has survived?

Any other info on him?

Best - Garen

[tjpatti]

Hello Garen,

Many thanks for your reply. I have this from George's obituary: "As a young man he joined the 60th Rifles and saw active service in India - gaining the Afghan Medal ... [he was] invalided from the Army."

He enlisted some time between 1861 and 1871 as he is absent from the latter census. He is on the 1881 census as a labourer. I also have a very grainy photograph which shows him wearing 4 medals, the one on the left appears to have a clasp; none of them are stars. The medal next to the aforementioned appears to be on a two-coloured ribbon, darkish background with a darker central stripe; the ribbon comes to a point above the medal.

I think he was a Private. Family legend has it that he was offered promotion but turned it down, preferring to stay in the ranks.

I have checked Find My Past; George's service record has not survived.

I am hoping to find out as much as I can about George's army service as I intend to upload him to your database.

Kind regards

Teresa

[Garen]

Hello Teresa - that all sounds good. If you're able and willing to email me a hi-res scan of the photo we could probably identify all the medals and build up his military history a little. There may be a discharge entry at FindMyPast, but since they've updated their system it's not as easy to find particular military records as it used to be.

All best - G.

[tjpatti]

Hi Garen

I'm willing to send you a scan of the photo, just not able to. I can't get the message to shift with the photo attached.

I think the George Long you found in the 60th Rifles must be my 2x great grandad but I will do a bit more research before uploading him to your database.

Thanks for your help.

Teresa

[emre43]

Hi Garen and all

My great great great uncle, Aaron Walter Joyce fought with the 67th Regiment during the Second Anglo-Afghan War.

According to his obituary he fought at both Kabul and Charasiab and he is seen wearing medals gained for his participation in both of these conflicts.

However, other than this obituary there is no other mention of him anywhere. I have searched your database and received no results. He went on to fight in the Anglo-Egyptian War of 1882 where he received the Khedive's Star.

Would you have further advice on where to search for more information?

Many thanks

Tom

[Garen]

Hello Tom

Apologies for my delayed reply.

The Afghan medal roll for the 67th is not in great condition, but there is a W... Joyce, no.260, listed.

Following this up, there is a service record for a Walter Joyce, no.260, at FindMyPast - b. Andover, Hants. He served in Afghanistan and Egypt and his mother was Mary, resident in Andover. Is that him?

Best wishes - Garen