Where did he serve?

[claire31]

Whilst trying to track down the place of birth of James Fagan I came across his very brief service record for WWI.  He was discharged as unfit for service but at the question have you served before he answers 18 yrs ?? and 2yrs South Africa.  I am trying to work out where he could have served for 18 years.  It looks like it says mubtion but could also say mulition or mubkia or mulikia.  The closest I have got is a Mount Mulikia which was part of a border dispute in Nigeria.  If anyone has any ideas or any ideas where I can look I would really appreciate it.

Claire

[groom]

Hi

What was his date of birth?

[km1971]

Hi Claire

Could it be Militia? If you have an Ancestry link you should cut and paste the link to the first page of his record.

Ken

[claire31]

My Dad suggested the word Militia which may make sense.  His date of birth on most census docs is around 1867 but he has shaved several years off whilst signing up!  Are there records of those who did this type of work or what did it even involve.  Sorry if I am not being very bright!
claire

Moderator Comment: Only relevant sections of images may be added for help with deciphering.

[km1971]

It says 18 years Militia, 2 years South Africa.

I will check a bit more. He may have been awarded a Long Service Good Conduct medal for the Militia.

Ken

[km1971]

Hi Claire

Did he have any connection with Cheshire at any time?

Ken

[groom]

If I have the right man, looking at records it seems as if he was living in Cumberland when he enlisted but was born in Ireland. His next of kin was his wife Mary. Is that right?

[claire31]

Yes Mary Murray was his second wife, his first wife Sarah Murphy died in 1901.  Yes he lived in Workington Cumberland and was born in Ireland.  I have come to these military records in an attempt to clarify his place of birth.  The 1911 census states Ireland but then it has been written in above a place which looks like Kilmannock, there is a separate thread regarding this originally started by someone else last year.
I am trying to get as definitive answer as is ever possible as to whether this man is linked to our family, it has always been assumed he was but the place of birth has cast doubt.  The military records may  or may not solve the conundrum!
Claire

[claire31]

sorry I didn't reply to the earlier question I don't think he had any connection to Cheshire.