Is this army?

[LizStewart]

This picture of my great grandfather (please excuse condition) was taken about 1905. To my knowledge he was not in the army, as on all records I have for him he was listed as a Blacksmith's Strike. He married in 1900 and was at home in Sheffield in the 1901 census. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.
With thanks
Liz

[Thudnut]

Hi Liz.
It looks very Army.  Although very difficult to see, the medal ribbon may be something like the India General Service Medal 1908 - 1935, or the General Service Medal 1918 - 1962.

Have you got any other photos of him in the uniform?

Thudders

[LizStewart]

Hi Thudders,
Thanks very much for such a speedy reply to my post. Unfortunately it is the only print I have.  My great grandfather (James Jermy) died in 1908 in the Sheffield Union Hospital, so if it is army, I'm now thinking perhaps he served in the (second) Boer War?, although he was home 1900 (marriage) and 1901 (census).
Thanks again
Liz

[Wendi]

Hi Liz

You have a very lovely photo there, if you post it on the Photo Restoration board, the peeps there may be able to clean it up for you.

But from a Military point of view I think he is an Army, prob. Lance Coporal, but it is his hands that interest me....they look like he either has gloves on (not part of the uniform) or they are bandaged.

Do you know anything, any little family stories about him anything that might help?

Wendi

[Thudnut]

That's very possible Liz.

Check this link out - http://www.stephen-stratford.co.uk/boer_war.htm especially the picture of the medal.

What's your great grandfather's full name?  Perhaps he appears on the Boer War medal roll?

Thudders

[LizStewart]

Dear Wendi and Thudders,

Thanks very much for your posts. I've had a quick look at your link, Thudders, and will go back for a better look tomorrow. Thanks for that.  Wendi- thanks for the suggestion re the photo restoration, will definitely look into that. Yes, the left hand puzzled me too, but think it is just his daughter's dress. His name was James Jermy born Sheffield 1876. I really feel sad about him as he is the "black sheep" of the family. We were led to believe that he died falling off a tram drunk. My great nan remarried, and my great aunt from this union was my main source of information. Her mother must have told her some stories! When I started getting into family history, I sent off for his death certificate and found he had died of Leucaemia, so why he had been maligned is a mystery (in fact his father HAD died falling down some pub stairs drunk!, so perhaps an element of truth, just the wrong generation).
Anyway, thanks again. It certainly gives me some new avenues to explore.
Kind regards
Liz

[Wendi]

Hi Liz,

It's funny how often you get those stories skiping generations. (My Great Aunt Laura was blamed for so much, bless her  )

Thudders is right about that medal, as he is wearing it, it has to be recorded somewhere, worth chasing up. 

Wendi

[liverpool annie]

Hi Liz!

There's 4 James Jermy's in the medal cards - it's possible he fought in the Boer War and WW1 !! you might want to take a look !!

http://www.rootschat.com/links/0et/

Annie 

[Thudnut]

I'm still doing a bit of digging, but suggest that a Blacksmith would be more use to the Army Veterinary Corps.

I think that would be my first choice!

Good find Annie.

Thudders