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 Posted by Jondi44 » 27 Jun 2014, 15:52
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.png) Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Hello,
For some considerable time I have been attempting to find some information on my maternal grandfather's service history. Unfortunately he died some years before my birth and there are no other family sources. As a result the information I have is very slim. I was told he served in South Africa during the Boer War and that he said he never wanted to see another war. He died in November 1940. The only information I have is as follows: His name: Maurice Kelly (he may have had a second Christian name of Desmond). Both his parents were Irish and it is likely the original spelling of his name was Moris Kelley. Date of Birth: 14 September 1867 Place: Chatham, Kent I have one other reference, which I believe is for him, in the 1891 Census serving as a Private with the 1st Battalion of the Border Regiment at the South Front Barracks, Western Heights, Hougham, Nr. Dover, Kent. He is recorded as being single at this time and shows his birth place as Chatham. It is probable he left the service after the South African campaign as the next record I have is the 1911 Census and he is married and working in Chatham Dockyard. If anyone can suggest a way forward in obtaining any additional details of his service record I would be most grateful. With thanks in anticipation. |
| Posted by plbramham » 27 Jun 2014, 17:53
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 General Global moderator Posts: 1369 |
| Hi Welcome to the forum,
Actually you seem to have done a pretty decent job on research yourself! Maybe others more familiar with the Boer War (Scottie?) might be able to assist a little more? Sadly it is always the case that it is far, far easier to research a soldier who died, I guess he should be listed in the QSA/KSA medal records though. Depending on his age, he may (just) also have served in WW1 too ? Regards Paul |
| Posted by plbramham » 27 Jun 2014, 17:59
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General Global moderator Posts: 1369 |
| Ah, maybe if you buy a cheap limited membership to "Ancestry" and put his name and "Chatham" you might find something in 1901, or especially 1911 census? Paul |
| Posted by Jondi44 » 27 Jun 2014, 20:06
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Many thanks for your replies.
My research has been mainly with Ancestry; it's where I found the Census returns and other information. Whether there is a Regimental archive that may be able to provide a bit more I have no idea. I know his service number and rank on discharge would help but to get these it looks as if I need his records; hence the circle!! Looks as if I may have hit the Catch 22 point? |
| Posted by IanT » 28 Jun 2014, 21:16
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Major Registered user Posts: 252 |
| You'll find some records on findmypast. There are two sets of service records for him covering 1885 to 1897 (serving in India and Burmah), then in the reserve until recalled to service in 1900 to 1902 (served in S Africa).
Other family named: mother Margaret, brothers Matthew & Patrick, one or both in the Royal Marines. |
| Posted by Jondi44 » 29 Jun 2014, 11:06
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Hello IanT,
Many thanks for your information. It looks as if I shall need to take out a subscription to findmypast. I was with Ancestry for a good while and found the details I posted, but have changed to TheGenealogist recently in the hope of finding more as they claim to have a big database - personally I find it little different. When you searched for him in findmypast, what spelling or other details did you put in? The reason I ask is that I see I can buy a credit package (60 credits for 90 days £6.95) which gives access at about 5 credits per page. Obviously this limits the number of shots I have at getting the records and I don't want to waste them. Thanks again for your most welcome help. |
| Posted by IanT » 29 Jun 2014, 11:38
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Major Registered user Posts: 252 |
| I searched for Maurice Kelly with birth and death years in the military records. FMP has recently changed its search forms which I (and others) are not too keen on, but this search brought up the hits plus a few others that could be checked. Don't enter 'Border' or 'Border Regiment' in the regiment name field or the search fails for some reason.
The two hits of interest are those with his name in capitals and event dates 1885 (also has birth year 1867) and 1897 (no birth year). The latter also duplicates most or all of the 1885 document (typical of the army!). |
| Posted by plbramham » 29 Jun 2014, 11:44
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General Global moderator Posts: 1369 |
| Of course you could always try the military museum at Carlisle (formerly Border Regiment / KORBR museum) http://www.cumbriasmuseumofmilitarylife.org/
Guess they a a bit busy at present with moving to new premises and WW1 centenary enquires, though. |
| Posted by Jondi44 » 29 Jun 2014, 12:02
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Hello Ian,
Many thanks for the search advice in findmypast. It is very easy to add information such as you mention that negates any good hits. Ancestry has also changed its search form which I find annoying as well!! At least with findmypast it will all be new to me. |
| Posted by Jondi44 » 29 Jun 2014, 12:22
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Hello plbramham,
I have visited the site you provide a link for and read up on their ability to search their files; they say that regimental numbers are essential. However, on the off chance that his location in 1891, from the Census, will enable them to identify him and provide his service number I have posted for their assistance. I recognise it is a long shot but it is one of the few avenues left to me. Thanks for your assistance. |
| Posted by hussar1000 » Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:21 am
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 Staff Sergeant Registered user Posts: 131 |
| I quick look at the Border Regiment medal roll for South Africa shows a Pte 1080 M Kelly, 1st Bn who received the Queens South Africa medal with clasps Transvaal, Orange Free State and Natal and also the Kings South Africa medal. |
| Posted by Jondi44 » Wed Jul 02, 2014 10:40 am
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Hello hussar1000,
Many thanks for your information. I am currently attempting to work my way through that which I have and hopefully decorations will show up in this. If I fail to find it in there I shall post back for more information on your source. Thanks again. |
| Posted by plbramham » Wed Jul 02, 2014 3:33 pm
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General Global moderator Posts: 1369 |
| 1080 is a very low early service number -late 1880s/ early 1890s?
There must be records, Good luck with search, Paul |
| Posted by Jondi44 » Wed Jul 02, 2014 3:58 pm
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| I have a problem with the owner of that service number as indications are that he became a Chelsea Pensioner. The names are the same (Maurice Kelly) as is the place of birth (Chatham) and birth date (1867) but I wonder if it is possible that two men with the same name and place of birth could be in the same Regiment at the same time especially as I have his death certificate and know he was living with my grandmother at the time of his death??? |
| Posted by plbramham » Wed Jul 02, 2014 4:14 pm
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General Global moderator Posts: 1369 |
| I can quickly reply, I believe until a certain date (forget when, I actually think 1920s) all regiments issued their "own numbers" Thus meant you could be soldier no 1000 Cheshire Regiment , or no 1000 Border Regiment - see what I mean? Does cause confusion. |
| Posted by IanT » Wed Jul 02, 2014 4:26 pm
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Major Registered user Posts: 252 |
| Note the army service records aka Chelsea Pensioner records (actually discharge records) don't necessarily mean the man was resident in the Chelsea home. My gr gr grandfather has a similar record & he died at home here in Portsmouth. Ian |
| Posted by Jondi44 » Thu Jul 03, 2014 9:04 am
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Private Registered user Posts: 8 |
| Many thanks for your replies.
I understand the potential for confusion with different Regiments and the same number. It's not impossible but reasonably unlikely that a person with the same name would have the same number. I shall need to look closer. Interesting that it would seem that a Chelsea Pensioner doesn't need to be resident. This could explain the records if all those who were eligible to be Chelsea Pensioners (resident) had there records indicating this. Again I shall need to look closer. Thanks again for your help. |