2nd Battalion/Lancashire Fusiliers

[biffo0161]

I'm trying to find out some information on my Great Grandfather-John Carter Service number 4416,2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers.I believe he saw action in the Boer Wars, and from what information I can gather online he was part of the 11th Brigade that fought at Spion kop in January 1900.What I would like to know is, did he enlist for the Boer Wars or was he already a regular soldier,where he was living at the time, and did he survive the wars or die in service as I cannot trace him in the 1901 census. Thanking you in anticipation. Brian Carter.

[Pete Keane]

Whilst searching for info. I found the below site:

http://www.angloboerwar.com/index.htm

Seems very detailed in relation to where units were etc.

Good luck.

Pete.

[jds1949]

Assuming that your man was a regular then his discharge papers should be at the National archives at Kew

http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/militaryhistory/army/step4.htm

Should give you a starting point,

jds1949

[ladysmith]

Brian - Men usually enlisted in the army for 12 years, 7 with the colours (a full time soldier) and 5 with the reserve (re-entered civilian life but liable to be recalled in time of war). Depending when he enlisted he could have been still a regular or recalled from the reserve. Many men were recalled from the reserve for the Boer War. His papers, assuming they survive in series WO 97 at the National Archives, will clarify this point as well as giving penty of other service and personal information.

He doesn't appear in the casualty roll so he must have survived the war. All 8 battalions of 2/LF took part in Spion Kop.

2/LF also took part in the Sudan campaign in 1898 so if he hadn't entered the reserve by then he could well have been at the battle of Omdurman too. As far as I'm aware reservists weren't recalled for the Sudan campaign.

He would have received the Queen's South Africa Medal and if he served through into 1902 the King's South Africa Medal too. If he served in Sudan as well he would have received the Queen's Sudan and Khedive's Sudan Medals.

A search of the medal rolls at the NA would confirm his medal and clasp entitlement. If you can't get to Kew I suggest you get a researcher to look for his service papers and medal entitlement as these aren't yet available online.

David

[km1971]

Hi Brian

While you are waiting to go to Kew, or waiting for Findmypast to put WO97 online, you could try a post on the British Medal Forum. A Lancashire Fusilier expert may have printed off the QSA medal roll. Or at least they can say when 4416 was issued. My guess is mid 1890s.

Ken

[biffo0161]

Thanks to everybody for their help.I will certainly try the British Medal Forum first, and dependant on what (if any) information I receive back my next port of call will be  the NA. Once again, thank you.  Brian Carter.

[humilesspiritu]

Hi There

If you click on link

http://www.lancs-fusiliers.co.uk/gallerynew/18991902SouthAfricaSpionKopLadysmith/18991902SouthAfricaSpionKopLadysmith.htm

you'll find an excellent site re where the Lancashire fusiliers were and fought, and if you scroll down the Roll for all who fought in the Boer war you will see your relative with his regimental number, battalion and rank. He's there, I looked!!!

Hope this helps, and its a great site for background info too

Lesley

[biffo0161]

Hi Lesley, thank you for your link to the Lancashire Fusiliers website, but this was the first port of call in my search for details about my great grandfather.I have posted a query on their forum, but sadly their reply was to contact the NA.So until I can get down to Kew I will have to continue the hunt.Once again, thank you. Brian.