Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-80

[Bill93185]

Hello Garen

Thanks for your report.
I really do not know if we can ever be sure of any referenced document from that period. I agree with your reasoning. Perhaps a copy of the news article would be nice to have if possible.

The 13 Nov 1874 is OK for me.

Garen, it's been great being in contact with you and ShaunJ who have assisted me.

I'm sure I will be back.
Thanks Bill Croke - Australia

[Garen]

This is from the Times of India, Saturday 14 November 1874.

[Bill93185]

Hi Garen

Top shelf .. thanks for the news article

Bill Croke -Australia

[scrimnet]

This is from the Times of India, Saturday 14 November 1874.

Points to note...One can ascertain the rank of the husbands when women with the army are mentioned...

Officers and their Ladies
Sergeants and their Wives
Soldiers and their Women

This was still the norm in the British army until the ....1990s!!

Any soldiers wife was just listed as "Wife of ...." in the records.
Many wives adopted the rank of their husbands so completely that they tried to run the lives of other women in the unit

[Bill93185]

Hello
My name is Bill Croke.

My (other) relative Thomas Francis CROKE served in the military in June 1880 when 18 years old. Sometimes known as Thomas CROKE

I understand, he was a Drummer, Service number 69B/854 was awarded The Afghanistan Medal between 1878-1880 whilst serving with the 18th Royal Irish regiment. Thomas's medal was awarded without a clasp.

Information I have, his name was with incorrect spelling Croake.
However his S/No is correct to my knowledge.
 
My question, I would like to know if he was awarded this medal and if possible what area would he have served at the time? Any other related information would be welcome.

Thanks Bill Croke - Australia

[Garen]

Hello Bill

Yes, Drummer Thomas Croake (69B/854) is on the Afghan War medal roll for the 18th Foot. His regiment garrisoned Peshawar from Jan 1880, moving into the Khyber region in May and staying in and around the area until March 1881, when they returned to India.

Best regards - Garen

[Andy J2022]

His regiment garrisoned Peshawar from Jan 1880, moving into the Khyber region in May and staying in and around the area until March 1881, when they returned to India.

A pedantic point I know, but Peshawar and the Khyber Paktunkhwa region which includes the Khyber Pass itself, were part of India throughout the nineteenth century so the regiment never left India. Obviously after 1948 the area became part of Pakistan.

[Garen]

I use the term Khyber region to include the line up to Ali Masjid, Daka, Landi Kotal, Landi Khana, Jamrud - all places the 18th were posted and in the North Afghanistan theatre. They were out of India from May 1880 until March 1881.

[Bill93185]

Hi Garen
Thanks again for your details,

I need to ascertain where the location and places are to get my head around that part of India.  I have found an old map, maybe this will help as I like to understand more of Thomas Croke service.

Also thanks for confirming "Croake" on his record.

Cheers
Bill Croke - Australia