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General => Armed Forces => World War One => Topic started by: gerryg1 on Tuesday 01 October 13 00:08 BST (UK)

Title: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: gerryg1 on Tuesday 01 October 13 00:08 BST (UK)
This is a photo of Joseph Gould born 1870, Sheffield.  Joseph (No 4640) served with the 2nd Bat The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry (KOYLI) from about 1894.  He was awarded the DCM for actions in India in 1898 then was wounded at the Battle of Modder River in South Africa in 1899 and sent home.  He rejoined his old unit in Aug 1914 (No 3/1752), at the age of 44, to serve with them in WW1.  He was again wounded in May 1918 and received the Silver War Badge.

My question is when might this photo have been taken.  Its the one used for an article in the Belfast Telegraph (where he lived with his second wife) when he was wounded in 1918.  To me the photo looks earlier and like that of a younger man, by this time he should be 48, and I don't think I can see the DCM amongst his medals. Could this be from his previous service?  Does the uniform tell us anything?

As usual, any help appreciated.  Gerry.
Title: Re: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: scrimnet on Thursday 24 October 13 15:08 BST (UK)
Sadly the pic is far too grainy to be certain of what the medals actually are :(

The scarlet jacket went out of use in 1914, so this is deffo pre that date.
Title: Re: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: John915 on Thursday 24 October 13 22:58 BST (UK)
Good evening,

Just an educated guess but I would say it's quite likely they are the Queens South Africa medal and the Africa General Service 1902. It would fit with dates given and the uniform era.

John915
Title: Re: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: gerryg1 on Sunday 27 October 13 03:40 GMT (UK)
Thanks for your comments.  On another forum (The Long, Long Trail - The Great War) we have come to the conclusion that Joe is wearing the IGS with 2 clasps and his DCM but in the wrong order.

Gerry
Title: Re: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: John915 on Sunday 27 October 13 17:42 GMT (UK)
Good evening,

I would agree that the IGS is a possibility but the second ribbon has too many stripes to be the DCM. As scrimnet said, they are too grainy for positive ID but you can see 5 stripes. The DCM has 3 broad stripes, red blue red.

John915
Title: Re: Help on this photo, date, KOYLI uniform date, South Africa medals please.
Post by: gerryg1 on Monday 28 October 13 10:35 GMT (UK)
Thanks John,

I think you're right it looks more like the QSA but he should have received his DCM before that, confusing.

Gerry.