Is He My Great Grandfather . . . Or Not?

[Congenic]

My father and I thought we had long finished with researching my Great Grandfather however after reviewing recent research and comments I feel I need to ask some questions.

In the picture below the gentleman on the right is believed to be my Great Grandfather Pte Henry Frederick Manser 8056 2nd Battallion Royal Sussex. If I remember correctly he joined up in October 1904.

However there are factors. First of all the medal is believed to be the QSA for the Boer War. Second of all the picture suggests that it was taken in India. Thirdly I believe, thanks to help from others on here, the 1st Battallion Royal Sussex went directly to India from the Boer and not the 2nd Battalion

Finally Henry did have a brother Frederick who was active in the Boer war in the 1st Battallion Royal Sussex. Apparently wounded though.

I feel the need to find out if Henry did infact serve previous to 1904 in the 1st Batalion and therefore in the Boer War, or confirm the picture was not taken in India.  Could Henry be wearing his brother's uniform or medal. I for one am beginning to believe this gentleman in the picture is Frederick and not my Great Granfather Henry. Things don't seem to be adding up  

Your thoughts and expertise would be greatly appreciated



According to Henry Fredericks Birth certificate he was born Sept 1884

[km1971]

Hi Again

They are wearing two good conduct badges - the inverted stripes on the left arm. These would have been awarded after at least six years service, and I believe they switched to khaki uniforms about 1908. So my view is that these men enlisted before 1904, and the one sitting is wearing a QSA with five clasps so he was serving in 1901.

On the extract from a service record, it says he was only going to serve 3 years before going into the Army Reserve. Did he? If he did he could not have earned 2 GC badges.

Ken