Ron Bolus:2nd Batt, SOUTH STAFFS REGIMENT 1900-20

[Doug Lewis]

Anybody else want to remember a regiment that has a history to be proud of, including the famous exploits at Arnhem in another little conflict??? TIA (and to Annie and Mack again)...........Ron

Ron
I want to remember the South Staffordshire Regiment my G Grandad and three G Uncles served with the Staffords during WW1 two Uncles paying the supreme sacrifice. My Grandad and his brother served in the Staffords during WW2, I was at Arnhem in September laying crosses at the graves of 11 Wolverhampton men killed at Arnhem.  It was mentioned that someone was interested in the Staffords on the WW1 Forum it maybe me,I have an extesive library on them and will look for info on them for you. It good to see someone else with the same passion.

Regards Doug.

[Doug Lewis]

Ron
This is the info on the 2nd Btn in India and South Africa,not a lot going on.
The 2nd Battalion sailed 18th Oct 1897 on H.M.S. "Olive" for Rangoon, arriving there on October 26th. After two years' service in Burmah the Regiment returned to Calcutta on December 2nd, 1899, and served at various stations in India until November 12th, 1907, when they embarked on the H.M.T. "Soudan" for South Africa.
While serving in India the 2nd South Staffords on 21st
February, 1906, received new Colours from H.R.H. the Prince of Wales. The Battalion, under command of Lieut.-Colonel E. K. Daubeney, D.S.O., proceeded by rail to Benares, and was formed up in hollow square in the grounds of Nandesar House at 9 a.m. on the 21st.
In November, 1907, the 2nd South Staffords moved from India to South Africa, and were quartered at Pretoria,Africa.
On November 9th, 1908, the Battalion trooped the King's Colour in the Church Square, Pretoria, the occasion being; the birthday of H.M. King Edward VII.
They were specially complimented by Lord Methuen, Commander-in-Chief, South.Africa, for their good work on this occasion.
On the 5th April, 1910, the Battalion formed a Guard of Honour on the occasion of the opening of the New Boer Parliament at Pretoria, by Lord Selborne, and on May 9th,attended the Proclamation of H.M. King George V. in Church Square, Pretoria. Leaving Pretoria on 18th January, 1911.

Regards Doug.

[Roncoach]

My sincere thanks Doug-----and , especially at this time of the year, I send my thoughts to you with regard to your family losses in both World Wars.
Thank you so much for the info in the last message here. I have seen a photo of the New Colours Ceremony in India in 1906; my grandad also remembered it well: I think he travelled to the ceremony---and told me about it ( I knew him so well till he died in 1966 when I was 17----a wonderful man who would hardly talk about WWI )---he was in all the front-line battles of the 2nd Batt). He was in Agra 31.10.04; Allahabad 23.12.04; Hailana 13.7.05; Allahabad 15.10.05 to 10.11.07; south Africa 29.11.07; Pretoria 1.12.07 to 20.1. 11. He was at Aldershot when WWI broke out and, as you know sailed very soon for france. He served continuously in France/Flanders/AoO Germany 12.8.14 to 22.4.19.
I have been looking for some photos of life in the Indian postings -----but to no avail. However, I have a full copy of the War Diary and Colonel Vale's excellent book " History Of The South Staffordshire regiment"----both of which I am quite happy to loan to you anytime (if you have not got them already).
A little footnote of history is that my grandfather won the All-India Army Swimming Championship in 1906. No record exists (and i would expect a regimental Museum to have details of all such little things as that).His swimming medal has been lost. But his Old Contemptibles Badge (which he wore everyday till his death in 1966) and his War medals(inc Mons Star) are in safe-deposit. But the Museum at Whittington has been a disappointment to me, ever since I first visited it-----in particular their paucity of records and photos  from the early 1900s is poor;  with no real full-time staff, they have not got time to delve deep------because some exist somewhere; has anyone from the Regiment ever thought to enquire of the family's of the Colonels of long-ago (or indeed other officers or medal winners)? I think not. A pity-----I often imagine papers and photos existing in such family papers.
My Grandad DID mention Capt Kirby -----but it was fleeting and so long ago. I later studied the Great war at college, am a member of The Western Front Association, and have visited the Flanders Fields. We will not see their like again.
I appreciate this exchange very much Doug. My very best wishes.       Ron Bolus

[liverpool annie]

Hi Ron!

Here are some sites of wonderful photos of India ...

http://www.harappa.com/photo3/index.html

Maybe not quite what you were wanting - but wonderful nontheless!!

Annie

[Roncoach]

THx---------you are very kind; I will enjoy these----military or not. Take care. Best Wishes, Ron 

[liverpool annie]

This is my "oh my goodness" site ...... !

http://www.worldofstereoviews.com/wwpage1.htm

Annie

[E Stokes chaser]

Hi Ron/ everyone talking.
I am new to this. I am chasing Ephraim Stokes, hence the e mail name. He was in the South Staffs 2nd Battalion and died at the Somme? in 1917. His name  is mentioned at Thiepval Memorial but that is all i have.

Where can i go for more info etc.

[Doug Lewis]

Hi  E Stokes chaser

This is the info I have at present
Ephraim Stokes Lance Corporal service number 17311
2nd Btn South Staffordshire Regiment
Born and resident West Bromwich Enlisted Wednesbury. Killed in Action 17/2/17
Remembered on the Theipval memorial Pier and Face 7B

Go here to download his Medal Index card for £3 which will give more information on the medals he received
http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/details-result.asp?Edoc_Id=5600151&queryType=1&resultcount=1

Come back to me if you need any help with it. I have the war diary which I will look up this evening and any other information I have I will post

Regards Doug.

[E Stokes chaser]

Doug,
Thank you very much. your so kind. I have sent the £3 off.

Being very ignorant, if his name is at Thiepval does that mean he died there? Was there a battle? Or is that the Memorial and he died elsewhere.

Its times like these i wish my Grandmother was alive to ask.
Thanks, Ian