In 1984 my father wrote to the Ministry of Defence asking for his father’s military service record. The facts are as follows, but the original letter can be seen by clicking on the image below left.
1891
Enlisted into the ranks of the Bedfordshire Regiment as a Boy and allocated No 3784 on 18th March
Mustered to the ranks in 2nd Battalion 18th September
1892
Appointed Lance Corporal – 22nd February
Promoted Corporal – 1st November
1895
Appointed Lance Sergeant 26th June
Promoted Sergeant 19th July
1899
Posted to South Africa 16th February
1900
Promoted Colour Sergeant 26th October
1901
Mentioned in Earl Roberts despatches of 4 September, as having rendered special and meritorious service.
1903
Returns from South Africa 28th January
1905
Posted to Depot 18th February
1907
Posted to 2nd Battalion 18th February
Sent to Gibraltar 28th August
1908
Promoted Sergeant Major (WO) 1st November
1909
Returns from Gibraltar 23rd February
Posted to 3rd Battalion 24th February
1914
Granted a Commission as Quarter Master Honorary
Lieutenant Bedfordshire Regiment 25th August
1917
Promoted Honorary Captain (QM) 25th August
1927
Promoted Captain 1st November
1928
Retired 13th September
Medals
Queen Victoria South Africa Medal with clasp
Natal, Paarleberry, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittenburgen, Relief of Kimberley Driefontein
Kings South Africa Medal with bars
South Africa 1901 and 1902