I am trying to understand a possible anomaly in my grandfathers military timeline.
10 February 1898 he ended his 7 year service with the colours as a lance sergeant.
9 October 1899 he was called up under Special Army Order dated 7 October 1899 from Army Reserve. I think he may have retained his previous rank.
21 October 1899 he was deployed to South Africa - 2nd Boer War
7 December 1899 He was wounded in action at Enslin station
27 April 1900 Promoted to Sergeant in 2nd Battallion of Northamptonshire Regiment
3 July 1901 Injured whilst serving with mounted infantry at Sandbaker, South Africa. He lost his arm due to this injury.
8 October 1901 Returned to England wounded.
I have a photograph of him, as a sergeant taken in Northampton when he clearly had both arms. We have other photos that would indicate this as being taken in 1900.
In the 19 months between Enslin (7 December 1899) and Sandbaker (3 July 1901), would there have been any reason for him to return home. It seems he would have returned as a lance sergeant, get promoted then redeployed. I can't see that happening as they would have needed everyone they could get.
Could he have been bringing POW's out of SA to England? Just guessing here. Would there be records of any such activity or any other reason soldiers would return before the conflict ended?
10 February 1898 he ended his 7 year service with the colours as a lance sergeant.
9 October 1899 he was called up under Special Army Order dated 7 October 1899 from Army Reserve. I think he may have retained his previous rank.
21 October 1899 he was deployed to South Africa - 2nd Boer War
7 December 1899 He was wounded in action at Enslin station
27 April 1900 Promoted to Sergeant in 2nd Battallion of Northamptonshire Regiment
3 July 1901 Injured whilst serving with mounted infantry at Sandbaker, South Africa. He lost his arm due to this injury.
8 October 1901 Returned to England wounded.
I have a photograph of him, as a sergeant taken in Northampton when he clearly had both arms. We have other photos that would indicate this as being taken in 1900.
In the 19 months between Enslin (7 December 1899) and Sandbaker (3 July 1901), would there have been any reason for him to return home. It seems he would have returned as a lance sergeant, get promoted then redeployed. I can't see that happening as they would have needed everyone they could get.
Could he have been bringing POW's out of SA to England? Just guessing here. Would there be records of any such activity or any other reason soldiers would return before the conflict ended?