Second Anglo-Afghan War 1878-80

[Garen]

Hello Barrie

I can't find a Charles Placeham on the Afghan War medal roll for the 5th Foot, but there is a Gunner in C/3 R.A. (C Battery 3rd Brigade, Royal Artillery) - no. 5875. As I see your Charles is in the 5th Foot on the 1871 census, and assuming this is the same person, then it would seem he moved from the infantry to the artillery at some point.

The medal roll for C/3 gives this Charles a different death date and location, however - 11 August 1880 at Nowshera. C/3 did return to India in Aug 1880. Can I ask where your death details for Charles come from? It would be good to know if these are two different Charles, or the same man.

Gunner Charles Placeham would have been entitled to the Afghan War medal with no clasps, though I see from WO/100/109 - medals returned to Woolwich - his went unclaimed.

Best - Garen

HI all,, am new to this,  but during my Family tree research I found a relative that died at Kandahar 1879 oct 10th I think,,,,not sure what regiment he was in ,, Name is Charles Placeham,, born 1851 st george hanover square , ? I have his enlistment  details but cant find any further info,,service number was 1809  ( 1871 )   2nd battalian Northumberland regt of foot,  ( private 5th fusiliers ) The archives record which I cant  trace is WO12/2374,, I would just like to know in detail where he fell,, and if he was actually awarded this Kandahar medal or some such ?  ,,,,, if he wasnt  can this still be claimed by a decendant,,  ( wouldnt be me as Charles was from another branch of my family ) any help would be appreciated,, thanks,,, barrie

[Barrie Plasom]

Thanks for the Info Garen,,, Information I got regarding Death Of Charles Placeham was fron one of the family history sites, ( ancestry.com  ,, there Military site, which I cant access for some reason  ),,,, This would be the Only Charles Placeham,, very few with that surname  or any variation at all ( I was the last ),,,, On his Birth certificate his  Name  was Placsom ( 1852 ).,, this conflict makes for very interesting reading as previously I was studying the American Civil War,,,I will try to find out more regarding the information I  found and come back to you,,, Thanks once again  Appreciated,, Barrie

[Barrie Plasom]

Sorry Forgot,,  Is this medal for Charles Placeham still available  to be  claimed by his decendants , (which would not be me ),, Barrie

[Garen]

Hello Barrie

I see there's a few entries for Charles Placeham on that new Ancestry Fold3 site - I'm not a member but it looks like you can get a free 7-day trial and perhaps get what you need.

Two of the entries are Court Martial Register entries from 1872 and 1873, perhaps the event that moved him from the infantry to the artillery. Another seems to be a document dated 1882 in the index - so either it's a post-mortem bit of data or a different chap, but the regiment is C/3 R.A. - and the medal roll claims he died in Aug 1880.

I'm no expert on the medals issue, but I don't think a descendant today can apply for medals from WWI and before, largely because you have to be next of kin, but also I just don't think they make them available with that much time passed.

Edit: https://www.gov.uk/apply-medal-or-veterans-badge/apply-for-a-medal

[Barrie Plasom]

Hi Garen,, thanks again I will check  ancestry out  and come back to you with added information,,  regards, barrie

[pjg6666]

Hello  I have a good military photo possibly Afgan War Is it possible to post a photo The name of the Soldier is  W McCombie and there is some writing on the back.  One part says CAN BOEL . The Lapel Collar Badges have Bugles on so could be a Bandsman. Also wearing medal on photo (Queen Victoria)  I don't know when this person was born but he is the Great Great Grandfather of a lady who is now in her 80s. Any help much appreciated Pam

[Garen]

Hello Pam - yes, please do post the photo, I think it would be best to see it directly.

As soon as I read "BOEL" I thought 'Boer', but let's see!

Best -
Garen

[pjg6666]

Hello Garen  The picture of W McCombie wont send as attachment as it says its too large  I could send it from my phone to a mobile or e mail??  Thanks Pam

[Garen]

Hello Pam

Yes, that would be fine - send it along to me at garen[at]angloafghanwar.info (change the [at] for @)

Thank you -
Garen