TOPIC:

Hi,
I was wondering if anyone knows exactly when and how the Boer War medals were issued to British soldiers who fought in South Africa.
My g/grandfather, 5954 Private Robert Hearse, served in the 2nd South Wales Borderers and left the Colours on 15/10/1902. According to his service record he was issued with the QSA (with clasps CC, OFS, Transvaal) & KSA (with clasps SA 1901 & 1902) medals. Unfortunately these medals have not survived into my family today. Interestingly, there appears 2 different addresses on his service papers. The first address, 34 Iron Street, Tredegar, Monmouth, was given upon enlistment on 04/07/1898 for his next of kin (father) which turned out to be false, and an intended place of residence, 120 King Street, Cwm, Monmouth, which was the address he moved into sometime after 1910. I also have his discharge certificate which is dated 03/07/1914, presumably sent to his intended place of residence at 120 King Street, Cwm, Monmouth.
I have contacted the South Wales Borderers Museum in Brecon and they could only confirm to me that his medals were issued but could not tell me how they were issued.
I actually have my doubts that my g/grandfather ever received his medals.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Good morning,
The medal rolls in WO100 sometimes give a date of issue, but, in general, if the medal/medals appear upon a mans discharge certificate and are shown within his service papers, he will have them already at that particular point in time.
Sadly, a great many were pawned after the Great War when times were hard for so many people.
Regards Frank Kelley

Good Morning,
Thank you for your prompt response to my question.
Is there anyway the medal rolls WO100 can be viewed online?
Kind Regards,
1898

1898,

It can be viewed on line via a paid subscription to Ancestry. Alternatively, it is available for free at the National Archives.

If you have access to the local newspapers of the time, they would probably carry an account of the presentation of medals to the SWB. Failing that, a regimental history might help.

Best wishes
David

1898,

His KSA is listed on WO100/328p40 for the 2nd SWB. The roll was signed Bloemfontein 17 Apr 1903. A note against his name says 'To Eng Time Expired'.

His QSA is on WO100/181p270. This shows the clasps CC, OFS and Tr. There are no additional notes.

Regards
David

His papers in WO363 confirm his medals were actually issued and in his possession prior to his discharge.
Many differing fates awaited medals in those days, they could be lost, pawned, stolen etc, so I would talk to your family about them if I were you.

1898 wrote: I actually have my doubts that my g/grandfather ever received his medals.
Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.