John Greenfield - Boer War 1899-1902

[janjim]

Hi, I am trying to ascertain whether John Greenfield actually served in the Boer War.  Family members in latter years have stated that he was a Drummer in the Boer War, but not sure how to confirm this.

Our great Uncle John Greenfield a House Painter was born 1870 Fulham, Middlesex, he married Ada New in 1894 at Newbury, Berkshire.  They had children born in Newbury, up until 1898.

Then there were no more children until 1903.   In census records, his wife's husband was then shown as William Broadbridge, rumours are that John Greenfield changed his name, something to do with call-up.  In fact census records show the husband's name as William Broadbridge a Motor Mechanic now, so we don't really know if Ada formed another relationship, or the truth is that John actually changed his name. He also changed his address, the family had lived in Newbury for years, and all of a sudden they were at Handsworth, Staffordshire.

The first two children of their relationship had surnames of Greenfield, but after the Boer War, the children had surnames of Greenfield Broadbridge.

We are absolutely confused, and would appreciate any assistance please.

Jan

 

[mirl]

findmypast has some Boer War records and there are several John or J Greenfield's listed but as I don't subscribe I can't get any further.

I can verify all the other details you list but I found three children before 1901; Mabel b1895, Charles John b1897 and d1897, Charles William John b1898.

And I found four after that; Frederick George Greenfield Broadbridge b1903, Albert Edward b1905, Alice Phoebe Greenfield b1906 and Ada Annie b1912.

I am also beginning to think that the two husbands are the same man because of their ages as expected and places of birth being the same on both 1901 and 1911. 

A clincher would be if you could find something from each of them with the same birth date, something like a birth certificate for Greenfield and a will or probate for Broadbridge.

[janjim]

Yes, Mirl, thank you for that.  I agree with all the children born to Ada & John/William.
It has been so difficult to find any more details, will check Probate next.
Jan

[mirl]

I had another thought.

Some-one can correct me if I'm wrong, but enlistment prior to WWI meant seven years in the colours and five years on the reserve afterwards, even if you "volunteered" you did so for twelve years.

It seems unlikely John Greenfield did that considering he is on the 1901 census, which is right in the middle of the Boer War, but if he did "volunteer" and found out he didn't like the lifestyle or the possibility of going to South Africa, then he could have deserted and this could be the reason he changed his name and location.

There is a UK list of military deserters 1812-1927 on ancestry and there are a few John Greenfield's there but I can't get to see any further information.  I suspect though that it might only show those that got caught.

[janjim]

Thank you Mirl, that is very interesting, am starting to believe that this could be the case.  Wondering if anyone out there has access to Find my Past, which could assist me.

Jan

[janjim]

Another thing meant to say, if he was a drummer, was that maybe for the 1st Boer War.   Were they only juniors that were drummers or older persons.

[janjim]

Hi, I know this is an old posting, but wondering if there was anyone out there who could access Find my Past, relating to information on this John Greenfield.

We have got a copy of his marriage certificate now, which shows John Greenfield as being in the Army Service Corp at Aldershot in 1894, that he was aged 22 years, making him born in 1872.   He had three children in Newbury, Berkshire and then somewhere along the line before 1911 census he maybe changed his name and his address now at Handsworth, Staffordshire.

We wonder if he was a Deserter, although 1901 census shows him as being a Painter at Newbury.
The other alternative was he gaoled for some reason.   

Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Jan


 

Thank you Mirl, that is very interesting, am starting to believe that this could be the case.  Wondering if anyone out there has access to Find my Past, which could assist me.

Jan

[janjim]

Hi again,
I have checked Ancestry Records, and there is a John Greenfield charged at Aldershot 18.12.1900 RFA Regt.  Records are WO86/51

I do not have access to Military Records, wondering if anyone could assist please.
Jan