Corps of Household Cavalry 2nd Life Guards circa 1900

[Knellie]

  Not sure where to post this enquiry - as it may include service in WW1...

Coud anyone advise me about the possibility of finding more out about the above?

I have found the "Long Service (12 years with the Colours) Attestation paper for
No 2176 Henry Claxton. the date is 21st September 1899 (I think) and he was 18 yrs 6 mths."
(British Army Pension Records 1914-1920).

Thanks
Knellie


 

[km1971]

Hi Knellie

Where did you get this information from? And does it give his father's name? There is A Paxton with the 1st Life Guards in the medal roll for the Boer War.

If he enlisted in 1899 his first 12 years would have ended in 1911. In which case any surviving papers could be in WO97 in Kew. But these may be what you already have. If he had the same number during WW1, it means he stayed on after 12 years, and there will be only one set. What was the discharge date on the papers you have?

The WW1 papers of the Household Division and the Guards Division were kept separate from other regiments in the army and hence did not suffer bomb damage during WW2. I believe they are held in Wellington Barracks. You should find contact details of where to apply if you google. And of course, being ‘elite’ troops, they will expect a donation!

There does not appear to be anything in the Ancestry ‘pensions’ file (from WO364). The WW1 files for men not awarded a pension (from WO363) are still being published.

I drew a blank in the WW1 medal indexes - http://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/documentsonline/browse-refine.asp?CatID=10&searchType=browserefine&pagenumber=1&query=*&queryType=1 - but you had to serve abroad to qualify for WW1 medals. He may also have served with another regiment, or he did not serve. If he served with another regiment you will need to find his second set of papers to confirm you have the right man.

Have you tried searching for an obituary for him?

Ken

[Knellie]

Many thanks for your reply.

I found the details on Ancestry in the British Army Pension Records 1914 - 1920. These link with family info.

He was actually Samuel Henry CLAXTON but known as 'Harry".
His father was Arthur Cooper Claxton and Samuel Henry was born in Kirkby in Ashfield, Notts 1880 - although family were from and returned to Norfolk.

He was a 'footman' when he enlisted.

Definitely think a visit to Kew will be the answer - found a reference for WO 400 Soldier's Documents The Household Cavalry 1799 - 1920.

I have a photograph which possibly shows "two good conduct chevrons and a marksmans badge" - as yet can't scan image which might have helped!

Lots to work on - quite exciting to find he was in an 'elite' troop and be able to put definite info + photo together.

Will keep searching to find where he went to and settled or died.

Thanks again
Knellie

A bit to add - think I've found him in Medal Rolls (Henry Claxton 2nd Life Guards 2176 Trooper) definitely need to look at them.  Ken - You're a star!

[km1971]

Sorry about the mix up with the spelling. I have cleaned my specs. I see he re-engaged for a further four years in 1911. That is why he kept the same number. The bad news is he never left England during his first 12 years, so did not fight in the Boer War.

The “Z” Reserve, which he joined in 4th March 1919 was created in case the fighting started again – 11 November 1918 was only an armistice. Peace did not end until the Treaty of Versailles was signed. I see he was a POW for four years after a few weeks of being in action. Even after four years as a POW he was fit enough for the Z Reserve.

Here is a link to his unit - http://www.1914-1918.net/CAVALRY/3cavdiv.htm#oob

His MIC should say when he left for France. But the information in his file shows that he would have been awarded the WW1 trio: 1914 star, British War Medal and the Victory Medal.

BTW There was a Samuel Henry Claxton killed in action. He was with the HAC. His file is on Ancestry in the ‘non-pensions’ files.

Ken

[Knellie]

Wow....

Lots to think about! I'll certainly learn as I'm going along....

How do you know he was a POW? Are there details of when and where? Are these on his MIC -  Medal Index Card? Which I suppose I need to look at for more details.
When I find info. I'm not totally sure what it all means but I understand the WW1 trio details.

I too came across Samuel Henry Claxton - whose details appear on the Commonwealth War Graves.

I'm amazed - we've had the photo for so long - it was almost by chance that I found his details.

One of his other brothers was killed WW1 and he was in a Canadian Regiment, his details are on the Commonwealth War Graves - the family references like place of birth or next of kin details confirm who they are for me.

The Canadian Archives are brilliant and I have a copy of the page from the Book of Remembrance - he was Charles Arthur Claxton.

Thank you so much
Knellie

[km1971]

How do you know he was a POW?

It is on page 4 of his papers on Ancestry



It actually gives all the information you will get on the MIC - he would have entered France on 7 October 1914 (the day after he left the UK). This entitles him to the 1914 star.

Ken

[Knellie]

 

I can't believe it.....wow

I looked on Ancestry at Archive Office but only found the attestation paper (1 sheet) or I didn't look close enough.

Thanks again!

Knellie

[Dean1]

How do you know he was a POW?

It is on page 4 of his papers on Ancestry



It actually gives all the information you will get on the MIC - he would have entered France on 7 October 1914 (the day after he left the UK). This entitles him to the 1914 star.

Ken

Hi Ken, The paperwork and soldiers records for the Household Division (which is Blues and Royals - all Royal Horse Guard as they originally were and the Lifeguards) is at Household Cavalry, Combermere Barracks, Windsor.    They have an archivist there and also a small museum.    Just thought I would mention this because I think the other Guards papers may be kept elsewhere but not theirs.

Sue

[Knellie]

 

Many thanks for all the info. - I looked at the details on Ancestry more closely
and was able to confirm the name of Henry's wife.
 
Knellie

Update
This search has gone further with reference to POW research - don't know if moderator can make a link??