Hello - I am new to the site and not sure where best to post this query so this seems like a good place to start.
I am researching my ancestor, Joseph Ellison, who fought in the Boer War. I have already found some useful information however there is one particular thing which puzzles me, his service number. This appears to have changed but I cannot find official proof of this change and I am not even sure why it did. Here is what I have so far:
Army Service Record - Private Joseph Ellison enlisted 3 November 1897 in West Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion. Service Number 4334. The information on his service record ends 11 Dec 1897 with no mention of transferring battalion or involvement in Boer War.
Boer War Records - Private J Ellison, West Yorkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion. Service Number 5128. Wounded 22 November 1899 at Willow Grange.
He came home from the war having been wounded and survived. In the 1939 Register he mentions his service number 5128 and West Yorkshire Regiment so I know it is the same person.
Can anyone help with how/why his service number changed from 4334 to 5128 please? Surely transferring battalions within the same regiment would not cause this to occur?
Many Thanks
I am researching my ancestor, Joseph Ellison, who fought in the Boer War. I have already found some useful information however there is one particular thing which puzzles me, his service number. This appears to have changed but I cannot find official proof of this change and I am not even sure why it did. Here is what I have so far:
Army Service Record - Private Joseph Ellison enlisted 3 November 1897 in West Yorkshire Regiment 3rd Battalion. Service Number 4334. The information on his service record ends 11 Dec 1897 with no mention of transferring battalion or involvement in Boer War.
Boer War Records - Private J Ellison, West Yorkshire Regiment 2nd Battalion. Service Number 5128. Wounded 22 November 1899 at Willow Grange.
He came home from the war having been wounded and survived. In the 1939 Register he mentions his service number 5128 and West Yorkshire Regiment so I know it is the same person.
Can anyone help with how/why his service number changed from 4334 to 5128 please? Surely transferring battalions within the same regiment would not cause this to occur?
Many Thanks