William John Hopkins Barber Army Service Record Help Please

[dee57]

Not sure that this medal record is actually my William John Barber. His mother on his birth cert was a Barber not 'Amos'.

[MaxD]

I haven't linked the medal record with a mother's name, medal records do not have personal information.

The record is for an RSM WJ Barber of the East Kents who served also with the KAR which sounds very like the man that you described in your earlier posts.  Who his mother was cannot be derived from the military records that survive.

There is, as far as I can see, no detailed service record for a WJ (or variants) Barber that can be identified as the Canterbury 1876 Barber.

maxD

[rosie99]

1891 has a William Barber in the Army at Aldershot, your William is still with his mother   

East Kent regiment of foot stationed at North Camp, Aldershot
William Barber age 21 bn Canterbury.
RG12/955 f98 p14

6 Prospect Place, Canterbury
William J H Barber - living with mother Jane Hopkins and possible father John

I believe that the 1911 census was the first one to have full details including family of the British Army serving overseas so the Aldershot one would be difficult to trace in 1901 if still in the Army. In 1901 your William is married to Alice.

[rosie99]

maxD, 

Do you think the National Army Museum would be able to give any more information on the source of the collections mentioned in post 4 

Rosie 

[dee57]

Hi,

Yes, I had the same thought and emailed them on the 21st March. I am still awaiting a reply and have just sent a 'chaser'.

[MaxD]

Excellent thought Rosie, good move dee57!

maxD

[rosie99]

Let us know when you get a reply 

Rosie

[dee57]

Thanks, will post back the reply when I hear.

[MaxD]

Meanwhile, having done a bit more digging, I've established that the East Kent RSM served in the 6th Battalion Kings African Rifles on attachment from 3rd Battalion East Kents.  6 Bn was formed in 1917 and disbanded in 1919. 

maxD