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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Trippy on Sunday 08 July 12 21:47 BST (UK)

Title: Did he serve in the Boer War?
Post by: Trippy on Sunday 08 July 12 21:47 BST (UK)

Hi everyone,

I was wondering if one of you lovely people could help me out? 

I am trying to found out some information on a man called James Griffin, born 22nd May 1851, died 8th August 1912.  I believe he was born in the Bath, Somerset area and served in the 2nd Devonshire regiment.  He was promoted to Lt Col on 1st April 1908. 

I would like to trace his military background, could anybody tell me if he was too old to have served in the Boer War? or what is the likely conflict he may have served in?

Unfortunately, as I have been poorly recently I have let my subscriptions slip, as I wasn't using them, so any information would be gratefully received, or some pointers to free websites. ;)

Many Thanks in advance

Trippy  :)

Title: Re: Did he serve in the Boer War?
Post by: old rowley on Sunday 08 July 12 22:15 BST (UK)

As a starter there is a mention of him in the London Gazette,

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28573/pages/457/page.pdf

scroll down to about half way down and his entry is on the left had column. A further look in the London Gazette may get more hits for him.

OR.

Title: Re: Did he serve in the Boer War?
Post by: old rowley on Sunday 08 July 12 22:19 BST (UK)

.....and

http://www.london-gazette.co.uk/issues/28189/pages/7759/page.pdf

near the top left hand column.

OR.

Title: Re: Did he serve in the Boer War?
Post by: 3sillydogs on Monday 09 July 12 10:17 BST (UK)

Hi

I can't find a record of him serving in the Boer War, but that doesn't mean he didnt.  There is interesting information about the Devonshire Regiment on the site and I have given you the link if you want to take a look.
http://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/547-devonshire-regiment

http://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/547-devonshire-regiment

Perhaps you could contact them directly, they may be able to help.

Good luck

Title: Re: Did he serve in the Boer War?
Post by: Trippy on Monday 09 July 12 13:22 BST (UK)

Thanks for the replies everyone, Old Rowley I will check out the London Gazzette for clues.

Sillydogs!, thank for the link I also had come across this website, and looked at the names/regiments, and couldn't see him.  Glad you confirmed this! I do have my scatterbrain moments!

I might look and see if he is on the 1901 census, as it might help back up the fact he wasn't in the Boer War.  I have a picture and he is wearing lots of medals, although none of them clear enough to recognise, he must have served somewhere :)

Back to researching, thanks again....