A bit more fun research!

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

I took the opportunity to look at a few more files at the National Archives last week while pinning down Frank's plan of RD (Chard's I know, but Frank has sort of "owned" it).
I came across this little gem which made me laugh because it says so much about the army bureaucracy.

It is in a note back to Lord Chelmsford from Horse Guards acknowledging his reports of 8th/9th March 1879 on No. 1 and 4 Columns. You will see that it praises Buller highly and expresses deep admiration for the actions of Melville and Coghill for their defence of the Colours of the 1/24th. But it is the final paragraph that had me chuckling. It says:

"Your demand for a Field Telegraph shall be at once complied with but I am advised that the machinery required for the electric lights renders it unsuitable for Field Operations. Six line lights have however been sent to you." And in pencil in the margin "Pse. ask Campbell re. "lightbulbs".

Such stirring stuff at the top of the page - but no bloody lightbulbs!
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PS I am doing some work on "C" Troop Royal Engineers who subsequently went and sorted communications out for the second invasion.

Steve

Subject: A bit more fun research Mon Sep 18, 2017 1:26 pm

Hi Steve
I actually have a medal group to a chap from C Troop R.E. ( Telegraph Troop ) .
Cheers 90th Salute

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

Hi Gary. That's interesting, what's his name?

Steve

Subject: A bit more fun research Mon Sep 18, 2017 2:59 pm

Lce Cpl W. Harrison 14424 C. Troop R.E. Zulu War Medal with 1879 Clasp , C Troop were also in Egypt , his Egypt Medal has two Clasps; Tel - El - Kebir , The Nile 1884-85 . he was still a Lce Corp in Egypt , his LSGC Medal has him as a Sgt Major , his Khedives Star Medal is dated 1882 . Always interesting stuff .
Cheers Steve
90th Salute

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

Hmm. Do you know when he got his LSGC? I might just have a photograph.

Steve

Subject: A bit more fun research Mon Sep 18, 2017 3:25 pm

Hi Steve
No unfortunately , I know it's the Victoria 3rd Type , Sgt Major W. Harrison RE Regimental No 14424 . Salute

Cheers 90th

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

I have found his service papers. If you do not have them I will send by email (let me have your email address by PM). He appears to have ended up in your part of the world with his last pension review going to Sydney NSW in 1925.

Steve

Subject: A bit more fun research Tue Sep 19, 2017 3:16 am

Hi Steve .
Thanks for that Steve , it's very much appreciated , and bloody interesting ! . Will send you my email address .
Cheers
90th

Posts : 2881 Join date : 2010-06-02

Morning Gary

Harrison's papers are on their way.

Steve