Did the 55th (Westmoreland) Regiment supply any drafts?

Does anyone know if the 55th (Westmoreland) Regiment supplied any drafts to the reinforcements to serve in regiments bound for service in South Africa. They were based at Shorncliffe in 1879, so ideally placed to supply drafts for those departing units departing from South-East England as reinforcements.

John Y.

Posts : 556 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

John

There were six soldiers from 55th Foot on the Clyde draft - all served with 1/24th (this might not be a full list - but best I can do):

25B/1895 Brereton, Edw
25B/1897 Corney, Thomas
25B/1912 Gardner, Wm
25B/1934 Lang, Harry
25B/1939 McMeekin, Wm
25B/1879 Shephard, Alfred Henry (Sgt)

Kenny,

Thanks for that, two more from 55th than are noted in The Noble 24th.

I also discovered through another source that the 55th supplied men to the 91st Highlanders.

Here's the reason for my query. A Sergeant in a pre-1874 frock of the 55th, with an 1879 barred SA medal, and a Long Service & Good Conduct Medal.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]
Sergeant 55th Regiment.
John Young Collection.

Thanks again,

John Y.

Posts : 556 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

John

Probably the only way to point pin him is look up ledgers WO102 (LS&GC Medal) on microfilm in the National Archives - the entries are listed by regiment - the Border Regt - as the award is probably after 1881.

Thanks Kenny.

If I get some spare time I'll try and progress it.

Regards,

John Y.

Not sure if this has been completed to your satisfaction John, but I have the following from my notes:

WO 16/1833 55th Regt Oct 78-Mar 79 Portsmouth & Shorncliffe To 24th Regt 22 February:

55/1848 Sgt Alfred Shepherd (25B/1879)
2B/1230 L/Cpl William Gardiner (25B/1912)
55/1591 Pte Edward Brereton (25B/1895)
2B/1172 Pte Thomas Corney (25B/1897)
55/1412 Pte Thomas Flaherty (25B/1908)
2B/1105 Pte James Heaney (25B/1919)
2B/1059 or 1159 Pte Henry Land (25B/1934)
2B/1749 Pte John Lewis (25B/1932)
2B/1113 Pte William McMeiken (25B/1939)
55/1596 Pte John Spellacy (25B/1959)

The following re-transferred:
01 February 1880
William Gardiner became 2B/2023
Henry Lang (2B/2024

01 May 1880
William McMeiken (2B/2036

06 May 1880
John Lewis 2B/2035

Bill,

Thanks very much for that.

I will dig out the photograph of the 55th Sergeant again and repost it. What an ideal Brigade No. if it is Alfred Shepherd!

I’ll drop you a pm shortly on another matter.

Thanks,

JY

Hi JY
Arrived home yesterday and the Martitzburg photo was waiting . It's an excellent photo isn't it ? . Once again Thanks , greatly appreciated .
90th Salute

Gary,

Glad it made it there safely, why not post it on here?

JY

JY
I have no idea with Computers , luckily I can post pics on FB from my phone , no idea how to do it from the phone to here .
90th Salute

» Details and names of officers. Drafts for the 1/24th Regiment
» Isandlwana, Last Stands
» Durnford left the Donga at the hight of the battle??
» Coal and wood supply during the AZW
» The ammunition question