Ron Bolus:2nd Batt, SOUTH STAFFS REGIMENT 1900-20

[Roncoach]

Hi----my grandfather(Herbert Bolus)served with the above from 1904 to 1920: India, S.Africa, Western Front 1914-18 (he was an Old Contemptible), AoO Germany 1919;and as reservist in Ireland early 20s. I have the War Diary of the Batt (so have very detailed account of my grandad's movements then)------and I have visited the Museum near Lichfield. I am writing because I cannot find any photos of the Batt. during the time in question. Also-----I have little detail of service in India and South Africa from 1904 to 1911. Anyone a South Staffs expert or collector please ?   Ron Bolus

[liverpool annie]

Hi Ron!

You may have seen this already - but just in case you haven't!!

http://www.staffspasttrack.org.uk/exhibit/regiment/Default.htm

Annie 

[manmack]

hiya ron,the problem with 1904 is that the boer war had been over for only 3 years and people wanted to forget all about it and nothing was going on in india in the 1900s so theres not going to be very much info,have you tried the great war forum,ime sure one of my pals on there is into the south staffs but cant remember who,but ime sure some of the gang will have some pictures for you.all i found was what you probably already have.
drummer herbert bolus,later promoted to corporal,age in 1914 27,No 7112,2nd batt south staffs,good luck,mack

[Roncoach]

Many thanks to Annie and Mack----------your interest is MUCH appreciated : sometimes I wonder if the South Staffs proud history is remembered at all: thank you both. I have seen the site you mention Annie----but please shout if you know any others: I would love to find some.  Mack, I will contact the Forum I was not aware of ( I assume I just google Great war Forum ). And, as my grandad (frontline, many of the horrific battles) managed to hide in some fox -hole for 4 years and come out unscathed (I knew the cunning old devil  ) ), let us please acknowledge that he was a sergeant by 1918
Thx again to you both. Anybody else want to remember a regiment that has a history to be proud of, including the famous exploits at Arnhem in another little conflict??? TIA (and to Annie and Mack again)...........Ron

[liverpool annie]

Hi Ron!

I found a book - you might be interested !!

Hardback    - Honours and Awards to the South Staffordshire Regiment

This new work takes a look at all the Honours and Awards given out to the South Staffordshire Regiment During World War I. Essential reading for any South Staffs Collector.

http://www.burmastar.org.uk/sthstaffs.htm

http://1914-1918.invisionzone.com/forums/

Annie!!

[Roncoach]

Thx Annie-----------a quick look at the link you provided seems to point to the Burma Star association, and exploits in WWII; it will be of general interest to me------but my main interest still lies in 1900-20. But thx.  And i am really grateful for the Forum Link, which i shall "attack" with gusto        Thx VERY much.........Ron

[liverpool annie]

I thought the Burma Star had an Archive section!

Good Luck! Isn't this fun??

Annie

[Roncoach]

Yes, Annie-------I was just testing you out there, well spotted  .  Seriously the Burma Star Archives, by definition, can only go back as far as the Burma Campaign of 1941-45-----touche, je crois 
Yes----"fun" IS the right word. BTW, I knew many of your family : Mr Earl Howarth was my music teacher; Mr Herbert Price was my History teacher for A level;
and I'm sure I've heard of a seafaring chap called moules mariniere somewhere on my travels. Thx again, Annie--------I will not charge for any history lesson about Burma NOT being in WWI........     Cheekyron

[liverpool annie]

OK Cheeky Ron!

Did you see these already?

http://www.ans.com.au/%7Erampais/genelogy/india/southstaffs/index.htm

http://mysite.wanadoo-members.co.uk/antiquearmoury/

http://www.1914-1918.net/sstaffs.htm

http://www.regiments.org/deploy/uk/reg-inf/080-1.htm

Annie