Can I find out more?

[chesters]

I have an Afghanistan 1878-79-80 medal, which I think is from my Great Great Grandfather.  He was born in 1847; he was an Army Pensioner in 1901 and didn't die until 1928.

Does anyone know if I can find out more about his career in the Army?

[manmack]

chesters.look on the rim of the medal,it should give name,rank and number,mack

[chesters]

I've just had a look at the medal, but there isn't any writing on it. 

Its been made into a broach, so maybe the writing came off then

[chesters]

I know his regiment and number now. 

Does anyone know if I can find out anything else, like other campaigns/wars he was in?

Thanks in advance for any help.

[liverpool annie]

Hi Chesters!

Our friend Garen on this board has a terrific web site regarding this war - check it out - it might give you some ideas of what to do next... has pictures of the medals too!!

http://www.garenewing.co.uk/angloafghanwar/waroffice/medals.php

Annie

I know you have talked to him already - but just read all the stuff he has on there - also the name may still be on there - on the rim of the medal  - not on the face or back of the medal!! - I know I made that mistake myself - not looking in the right place!!

[Garen]

To find out more about Edwin Chesters you need to see if his service records are available at Kew (the National Archives). Now you have his regiment this should be easier to find if it has survived. The record will give his entitlement to other medals (if any) and other arenas he served in, plus dates of service, conduct and medical history. It's possible he saw action in Burma (1885) if he stayed on in the army after Afghanistan.

In the mean time:
http://www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk/liverpoollife/collections/citysoldiers/research/
http://www.regiments.org/regiments/uk/inf/008KingL.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/King's_Regiment_(Liverpool)

The 2nd Battalion 8th Foot (Liverpool) Regiment (The King's)  is the one Edwin was in.

The other possibility about the medal's lack of a name is that the original was lost or sold and he bought a replacement, or even ordered a duplicate for the broach, and the original issue has gone its own merry way.

All the best -
Garen.

[chesters]

Thanks Garen,

I've just e-mailed the National Archives to see if they have his record.