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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: chrissie1963 on Wednesday 18 July 12 22:41 BST (UK)
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I wonder if anyone can help me find out about a Squadron Quartermaster Sargeant Parker who was in the 19th Hussars. When I bought my house 20 years ago, there was a large chest in the loft with his details painted on the lid. I have only just rediscovered it while doing some work up there and want to find out more about the person who ownded.
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Well, if it says 19th Hussars then that's pre-1922 when they amalgamated with the 15th to form the 15th/19th Hussars.
Looking at the rolls for the Boer War (1899-1902) there's the following chap:
3538 Sgt G Parker, 19th Hussars
I reckon that could be him if he moved on from sergeant to SQMS.
I'll leave someone else to check WW1 records as I have to turn in for the night, or I'll struggle to get up for work on time! ;)
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He was Warrant Officer I during WW1 and transferred to the Leicester Yeomanry.
Ken
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Wow, thank you so much for the prompt reply. I had no idea it would be that easy. How do I find out what campaigns he fought in and anything else about him? I was going to get rid of the chest but it has been in my loft for 75 years so would seem a shame and with a history to go with it, I am tempted to keep it. I offered it to the national army museum but they weren't interested.
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His Queen South Africa medal included clasps for Belfast, Defence of Ladysmith, Laings Nek and Orange Free State. Belfast and Laings Nek were battles. Churchill was reputedly on the last train out of Ladysmith and was with the patrol that lifted the seige 118 days later.
In 1911 the 19th Hussars were in Aldershot but I cannot find him on the census.
Ken
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I offered it to the national army museum but they weren't interested.
Another alternative...
http://www.armymuseums.org.uk/museums/0000000004-The-Light-Dragoons-15th-19th-King-s-Royal-Hussars-Museum-Collection.htm
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Thank you so much guys
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I think I may keep the chest along with all the information you are so kindly supplying. It's obviously a piece of history. I did find out that he was the unlce of the lady who lived in my house from 1937 until 1993. He was born in Eton and his parents worked at Eton College where I work. His sister was the mother of the lady who previously owned my house.
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He was sadly killed in 1915 age 42 and is commemorated on the Ypres memorial.
http://www.cwgc.org/search-for-war-dead/casualty/1623276/PARKER,%20GEORGE%20CHARLES
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There's more on the Leicestershire Yeomanry site, including a couple of photos of him if you scroll down the page some way.
http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/PM/LYWW1.htm
More on Frezenburg where he was killed...
http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/LYMenuFrez.htm
Maybe they would appreciate a photo of the chest since they seem interested in all items?
http://www.paoyeomanry.co.uk/LYTrench.htm
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Thank you, I will email them and find out. I can't believe how much help I have received in just one day.I am extremely grateful to all of you.
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seems he was a freemason ;)
http://www.masonicgreatwarproject.org.uk/writeup.php?string=2338
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Hello chrissie,
I've just been reading your post with great interest because my Gt Uncle served with the 19th Hussars from 1889 until his retirement after 22 years service in 1911.
For the last few years I've been trying to find out if there is anyone out there who may have photos of the Regiment and the men in it during the time span I've mentioned and wondered if you had found any such photos or information in the chest that you found in your attic or was it completely empty?
I'd be interested in any information you may have, I have little to none on my Gt Uncle.
Thanks
Barbara.
Added: my Gt Uncle was the RSM of the 19th Hussars when he completed his service in 1911 so he very likely knew your chap..
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hi Barbara,,do you have your gt uncles army service records?
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Hi gortonboy,
Yes, I managed to get copies so that I do have the basic details of his Army Service.
I would just love to have had a photo/photos of the Regiment during that time, he may have featured on some of them.
I know from his record that he was involved in the Relief of Ladysmith and that he was mentioned in Lord Kitcheners Final Despatch.
Cheers
Barbara.
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some nice detail here re 13th hussars and Ladysmith
http://www.pinetreeweb.com/13th-south-african-war-36-01.htm
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Hi gortonboy, thanks for that.
It's really interesting to read, I wish there was something similar for the 19th Hussars, especially the photo.
I'm going to keep trying in my hunt for photos - there must be some out there that have been left with relatives etc, who may consider sharing them with me.
I have one photo of my Gt Uncle, taken during WW1 and showing him holding the rank of Captain, so I have to assume that he went back in the Army during WW1 but as he would have been 47 in 1914, he must have gone back in some sort of Admin position and been commissioned into the rank of Captain. Well, that's what I'm guessing.
Would there be an Officer's Record of Service for him, if that was the case,and how would I find it? I find it all a bit puzzling. ???
Cheers.
Barbara.
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photo of NCOs and privates
http://www.ladysmithhistory.com/a-to-z/british-regiments/19th-hussars/
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FOR OFFICERS RECORDS
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/records/looking-for-person/officerbritisharmyafter1913.htm
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Hi again gortonboy,
Thanks for the photo link, I had that photo and info a couple of years ago but lost it so thanks for that.
I clicked on the link you gave me for the Officer's records but unfortunately I cannot provide these details they require as shown below:
" What do I need to know before I start?
Try to find out:
•the name and regimenta unit of infantry or cavalry forces in the British army of the person •the medals received (if applicable) •the date range to help focus search
The only details I have for him are from his previous record of service prior to being commissioned at a later (WW1) stage.
I appreciate you trying to help.
Thanks again.
barbara.
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have you searched the London Gazette for possible details of his commision? what was his name and when and where was he born?
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Hi,
Never thought of that, I will PM you.
Cheers
barbara.
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does the photo you have give any clue as to his regiment?
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Hi Gortonboy,
He's wearing Service Dress with Trousers and Sam Brown.
His Collar badges are indecipherable and he is wearing Captains Rank Badges on his cuffs.
Barbara.
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shame,,,it will be a nightmare searching for him with his name being so common,,,i have had a look at the Gazzette,,,but without knowing the regiment,,,, :'(
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Would it not relate to his old Regiment the 19th H?
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Hi Barbara348. Wow, that is so intereting. They probably did know each other well. The chest wsas empty when we moved in and for years I used it to store my children's baby books and puzzles when they grew out of them. To be honest I had forgotten all about it until I recently cleared the loft to board it. I have managed to obtain photos of RMS ( As he became) Parker , from the Leicester Yeomanry website but Nothing of the 19th Hussars. I can see that you are getting marvellous help from others here who know far more than me. It's amazing what history a box in a loft can bring to life. Thisi s fascinating.
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Hi chrissie,
Yes, it really makes you wonder about the person & their lives when you find something like you did.
Your man was probably at the Releif of Ladysmith with my Gt Uncle during the Boer War, what a scary experience that must have been.
I'm going to keep trying to find some photos of the 19th H anyway.
How great it would have been if that old chest had held some documents, if I was you I'd certainly keep it, in memory of it's oricinal owner and his life.
Thanks for posting the details.
Regards
Barbara.
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Hi Barbara
It may be worth contacting the below as I am sure they will have photographs that may be useful. The museum is in Newcastle.
The Light Dragoons (15th/19th King's Royal Hussars) Museum
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It may be worth contacting the below as I am sure they will have photographs that may be useful. The museum is in Newcastle.
The Light Dragoons (15th/19th King's Royal Hussars) Museum
I second that. If anyone has photographs, then the regimental archives is a good bet.
Especially if you consider we're talking about the RSM here, not just a random soldier.
He would have been a very prominent figure in the regiment.
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I also think that the regiment took part in the coronation of Edward vii so it may be worth typing that into google.
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Hi chrissie, thanks for your tips and also for allowing me space in what is your post/request.
I shall 'soldier on' as they say.
Thanks also to all who have advised and helped.
Barbara.
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hI Barbara
No problem, it has been really interesting . I am so glad I enquired and am grateful for all the expert help here. What a fantastic forum.
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