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General => Armed Forces => Topic started by: Bab5 on Friday 28 December 18 11:29 GMT (UK)

Title: Help needed
Post by: Bab5 on Friday 28 December 18 11:29 GMT (UK)

Hi My grandad was sent to join Special Service Section on 17-07-1900 for service with his unit abroad (W Riding Yorks Artillery) Can anyone explain PLEASE Babs.

Title: Re: Help needed
Post by: ShaunJ on Friday 28 December 18 12:05 GMT (UK)

Presumably he went to South Africa to fight in the Boer War. Have you checked the medal rolls?

Title: Re: Help needed
Post by: MaxD on Friday 28 December 18 12:20 GMT (UK)

Can you post his details - name, number etc?  Context often holds a clue or two.

MaxD

Title: Re: Help needed
Post by: Bab5 on Friday 28 December 18 13:30 GMT (UK)

Hi his name was Charles Herbert Woodhouse born 1882 Sheffield No 3325
Have not checked for medals as I don't know how to do it Thanks Babs

Title: Re: Help needed
Post by: MaxD on Friday 28 December 18 16:12 GMT (UK)

The West Riding Royal Garrison Artillery Volunteers were, like all volunteer units, not designed to serve abroad and could only be called for full time service in UK in the event of invasion.  In 1900, as one of the consequences of the Boer War, a category called Special  Service Section was introduced which would allow men who so wished to serve anywhere in the world.  Volunteering for that category didn't necessarily mean he went abroad, only that he would be able to do so. 

Can't find his name in any Boer War era lists.  You'll note his record has no detail of service abroad only that he volunteered for the Special Services Section.  He bought himself out in Feb 1901.

MaxD

Title: Re: Help needed
Post by: Bab5 on Friday 28 December 18 18:00 GMT (UK)

Thanks for clearing it up for me Babs