My father's grandfather was William Fowkes b 1877 in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
I am looking for a service record of this man, but don't know where to start. I'd like to be able to purchase replica medals if any were awarded and clear up some family stories.
My father remembers that his grandfather had a piece of shrapnel in his back, that he was able to feel through the skin when he was a small boy. On talking to some family members, there seems to be some consistent stories:
He served in the 2nd Boer War
He was a 'yeoman' or 'beefeater'
In 1901 he was living with his wife and two children at 9 Manor Rd, Kingsthorpe, Northampton and was a bootmaker. His children were born in the following years:
1898, 1900, 1902, 1904, 1905 etc. (many others to follow)
If he served in the Boer war, it seems logical that he would have been in the Northamptonshire Regiment - but I'm not even sure he would have time to serve in between all of that baby making.
Thank you for your help, and if you need any more information, let me know
