The British South Africa Company Medal Roll - Free lookups offered

[scrimnet]

As the chap who started this thread has not been on RC since 2005, I will lock to avoid any more disappointments.

If he would like it reopened, this I will duly do, if he contacts me.

Sorry everyone...

[amarb]

I'm looking for info on 4 brothers called Irwin, probably from Carlow Ireland who fought during the 'boer war' for the 'Irish Guards', some of whom were apparently killed. I have no other information about them, but it is the only link to my grandmothers family. can you help at all?
thanks
amarb

[neil1821]

I'm looking for info on 4 brothers called Irwin, probably from Carlow Ireland who fought during the 'boer war' for the 'Irish Guards', some of whom were apparently killed. I have no other information about them, but it is the only link to my grandmothers family. can you help at all?
thanks
amarb

Firstly, could I suggest you start your own topic about this rather than tacking it on here. The BSAC medal that this thread refers to is in fact nothing to do with the Boer War, and people won't tend to see your question when they browse the board.
You can count out the Irish Guards. They were only formed in 1900, and very few men enlisted into the new regiment were in time to see active service in the war. There are no Irwins. Some others I'll check for you.....

[amarb]

thanks for your reply.

[neil1821]

The next obvious thought was the cavalry, as there are several "Guards" cavalry regiments, Life Guards, Royal Horse Guards, Dragoon Guards etc
Only 2 Irwins in the cavalry though: 2nd Lieut Thomas Irwin, 1st Dragoons & Pte W.Irwin, 3rd Dragoon Guards. On the whole not promising for you.

The Imperial Yeomanry look a bit more promising.
31970 Pte J.A.Irwin
33251 Pte Robert Irwin
31975 Pte William Irwin
all 61st (2nd Dublin) Coy, 17th Btn I.Y
IY service records would hopefully confirm if they were brothers (or not).
3 Irwins and not 4, but the best I have. 

[AussieGaz]

Hi Neil

My previous request was to Lister who apparently disappeared in 2005.

Am I correct in that you are able to also look up the Medal Rolls for this medal?

If so, My Great Grandfather - Donald Alexander Clark went up to Zimbabwe (Rhodesia) in 1890 with the British South Africa Police and we believe and that his service number might have been 157 according to Col AS Hickman. This we are not sure about.
Subsequently, we have discovered that he was definitely mentioned as having been with the Gwelo Volunteers (Troop Sergent Major) and got the above medal in 1896 (page 83 of B 4/3/3)according to research done by my late father in Harare in 1963, as the recipient's contact details match up with his father in Mintlaw, Scotland.
I do know that the 1896 medal was issued in the late 1890's and the 1890 medal only came out decades later in the 1920's which does not help. Men entitled to the 1890 Medal were supposed to surrender their 1896 one, and in return an 1896 Clasp would be added to their 1890 Medal
Could you please let me know if he got any clasps added to the medal at all.
He then left with the Protectorate Regiment for the Relief of the Siege of Mafeking.

Many thanks 
Gaz

[neil1821]

Gaz,
There is a D.Clark on the roll. Doesn't confirm precisely what you have, but might be the right man.
1890 medal + 1896 and 1897 clasps.
1890 BSA Police
1896 C-troop, Bulawayo Field Force
1897 TSM, Rhodesia Horse Volunteers

Then there's a Donald A. Clarke
1896 medal Sgt-Major, Gwelo Volunteers (not TSM)

From what you say, your research to date might have confused these two men and merged the information. 

[AussieGaz]

Hi Neil

Thanks so much for your message and the information. "D" Clark's and not "DA" Clark's. DA Clarke's and not Clark's - proper confusion!!

I appreciate your help. I will pass on your findings to someone I know who lives in Harare and does research at the National Archives there, to see if clarification can be found on the above.

He used to be the Director of the Archives years ago, and I thank my lucky stars that I have located omeone who has the knowledge to still be able to access the valuable information housed there. Heavens knows what might happen it it is years to come taking the situation of the country. Such a shame.

regards

Gaz.

[pampoen]

Hi Neil could you check the following for me? To Neil 1821-I have in my possession a medal awarded to a Trooper RC Luxford NT as a member of the BSAC 1896 campaign.Could you give me any further information such as was he originally from the UK,did he die in action etc?Any information would be gratefully appreciated.