This is a picture of my great uncle Harry, born in 1871, in the uniform of what I believe to be the Westminster Dragoons. This would make sense, as it would've been his local TA unit, he lived in Pimlico. I've written to the unit to enquire about their service in South Africa, but they didn't bother to reply. Oddly enough, I very nearly joined this unit myself years ago, before I knew about GU Harry. Anyway, the picture was taken in a studio in Heidelberg, SA. Unfortunately there are two towns of this name in SA, so it doesn't narrow it down too much. Does anyone know if any diaries or other publications exist on the WD's activities in the Second Boer War? Cheers Steve
You might find this interesting from A Short History of the WESTMINSTER DRAGOONS 1901 to 1987 by Captain N. Huw-Williams The newly formed Regiment did not fight as a unit in the Boer War but trained and sent out drafts totalling almost 1,000 men to the Imperial Yeomanry Brigade which was serving in South Africa. Many of these men rejoined the Regiment in 1901 when it reformed after the war. http://www.westminsterdragoons.co.uk/Westminster_Dragoons/Library_files/A%20Short%20History%20of%20the%20WDs.pdf What was Harry's full name?
Thanks for the fast answer. I'll certainly take a look at your link. His name was Harry Schofield. As far as I'm aware it was Harry, not Harold.
There is a 32477 Trooper H. Schofield of the Imperial Yeomanry listed at the Casus-Belli website. Unfortunately you do have to pay for further information. Welcome to Casus Belli (military books and medals)
Thank you so much. To think I've been trying to find out about him for the last few years, and you've got me further on in a couple of hours. Regards Steve
Steve It's not him. This is the nominal roll for the Imperial Yeomanry for the surname 's' http://www.britishmedals.us/files/iys.htm
Checked a few lists and this H.Schofield looks interesting, he is from the 7th Dragoon Guards. What caught my eye is in paragraph 4 within the following link. 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards Sorry I can't help more but it's difficult to track a man down from just a name. Best of luck. Jonathan
That's interesting. So he could have been attached to the 7th as one of the drafts mentioned in the Short History of the WD's.
Thanks for that Mark. I didn't realise there were so many Schofields in the world. In the first column next to his name that looks like 5DG.
It certainly does look like 5DG. I had a look on findmypast.co.uk which holds copies of the Chelsea Pensioners British Army Service Records 1760-1913 and Militia Service Records 1806-1915 (The TNA record series numbers are ‘WO96’ and ‘WO97’.) for records and I got a list of 25. One was for a Henry Schofield born in Colchester, Essex in the Dragoon Guards, but according to the records he was discharged on medical grounds in 1893. But could not find another which could fit. (I have attached the list as a word document.) View attachment British Army Service Records 1760.doc I have also just checked Boer War 1899-1902 - Soldier details (findmypast.co.uk) and got the following result: Name:SCHOFIELD, H Rank: Private Soldier number: 4692 Unit: 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards Notes: To 5th Dragoon Guards 23/10/02. 'Scholfield' on E.C. Roll. The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 Age: Literary references: which shows, I think, he transferred from the 7th (Princess Royal's) Dragoon Guards to the 5th Dragoon Guards on 23 Oct 1902. Mark
Steve Thought the following might be useful if this is your man. It explains the criteria for the various clasps to the QSA Medal: Boer War 1899 - 1902
What a pity Captain Harry Schofield VC RA isn't my man, but I doubt anyone in my family would be that brave. I guess I'll just have to accept plain old Pvt Harry is mine. Still, it's nice to know I've probably found him at last. Thank you for all your help, it's something to tell his 90 year old niece (my mum). Cheers Steve
