1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders 1900

[Brian1]

Wonder if anyone can advise me how to trace the service records for Robert Dowling, 1st Battalion Gordon Highlanders. Service number 5406 serving in the Punjab, India from 1896 to 1901.
Can anyone also help with the medal he is wearing and also the crossed swords or rifles as well as the inverted chevron on his left arm?
Brian

[OldBraggs]

The medal is The India Medal 1896, the clasp should be either 'Relief of Chitral 1895' or 'Tirah 1897-98'. The 1st Gordons earned both clasps. If you are sure that he arrived in the Punjab in 1896 then this for Tirah.

This would mean that he was probably at Dargai when Piper Findlater famously won his VC.

Steve

[Brian1]

Hi Steve,
Thanks for the info. I have some of Roberts letters and in one dated 6th February 1899 he says he has just under 4 yeas service with the Gordons and goes on to say that he was not at Dargi, but got a medal and clasp in another action ( which he does not name ).
I understand he was either a light or middle weight regimental boxing champion.
Any idea about the crossed rifles and inverted chevron. I expect it would signify he was a marksman and perhaps a length of service in the Battalion.
Brian

[OldBraggs]

Nice to have the letter, a shame about Dargai though. The Gordon's casualties during the Tirah expedition also include actions at Chagru Kotal 20 October 1897 and several on the march from Bagh to Barkai 11 Dec. 1897.

Crossed rifles would be a 'marksman'. The chevron I am not sure about at this period, somewhere I have the dress regulations ...... somewhere.

Steve

[Brian1]

Thanks for the post Steve.
Much appreciation for the info you have given me.
Regards
Brian

[manmack]

its a good conduct chevron,mack

[Brian1]

Thanks for that info Mack
Brian

[osprey28]

Hi

Just another thought - could the chevron be a service badge? - I have a picture of an ancestor in Royal Horse Artillery around the same time & the Military History Museum for the regiment told me that the same type of chevron was awarded after 5 years service, if this applied to Gordon Highlanders as well it might help date your picture a bit.

Osprey

[Brian1]

Hi Osprey,
Thanks for the info. I did at the beginning think it was connected with length of service and then Mack states its connected with good conduct. Could of course be a combination of both i.e. had to serve 5 years with a good record.

Thanks
Brian