Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Charles Stuart Erskine MC, 5th Royal Gurkha

[seaforth78]

It has been quite a while since my posting and I am delighted to say that I was able to acquire the rare 5th Gurkhas Rifles sword to Colonel Erskine. Could anyone please steer me or provide me a potted history of his service details please.

Also, I am very interested in acquiring his service papers if possible; where could I go for these as I never researched officers of the Indian Army before.

Thank you very much,

S78

[Langdon]

Found this link here but it doesn't look as if it's his service papers - someone here may be able to advise further..

Mike

[GraemeClarke]

Hi

I dont think there is an M.C. citation being LG in January 1916

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinburgh/issue/13147/page/2075/data.pdf

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29438/supplement/583/data.pdf

Regards,

Graeme

[Old Owl]

There are no service papers available for Indian Army officers generally. The only information about Lt.Col.Erskine is that which is printed in the regimental history.

I tried to purchase this sword from the owner last year because I have the medal group to Colonel Erskine in my collection--however the owner thought it to be worth circa three times its true worth so we could not agree a sensible price.

A very nice item and one I would have liked to reunite with his medals.

[CGM]

You may find something of interest in the National Army Museum extensive records:

National Army Museum Information Sheet 1:

Researching soldiers of the East India Company’s Armies and the Indian Army

[seaforth78]

Hello everyone and especially Old Owl,

Thank you for all your efforts. I learned a lot here. CGM- I will have a close look at the above link and see what I can get if anything....and Graeme, I found something in the Weekes 5th Gurkha history pertaining to his action which I think he got the MC for-see attachment.

Old owl, what a small world after all! I attach a photo of the medals and until this minute always wondered where this group was! Now I know....I'll PM tonight.

Thanks again everyone,

S78

[seaforth78]

Hi

I dont think there is an M.C. citation being LG in January 1916

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/Edinburgh/issue/13147/page/2075/data.pdf

https://www.thegazette.co.uk/London/issue/29438/supplement/583/data.pdf

Image1.jpg

Regards,

Graeme

Interesting that he had to wait until 1920 to get his medal!

[seaforth78]

Hi Old Owl,

Would you have the MIC for him?

Thanks in advance,

S78

PS Got the Regimental History today (thanks to my birthday-wife was suitably blackmailed) quite a bit on him!

[Old Owl]

Hi Old Owl,

Would you have the MIC for him?

Thanks in advance,

S78

PS Got the Regimental History today (thanks to my birthday-wife was suitably blackmailed) quite a bit on him!

Yes, there is an MIC but I have to find it again--his name is mis-spelt/badly written on the card on Ancestry--I have a copy somewhere, when I get a chance I will try and locate same. I have had a quick look but need to spend more time! I will let you know when I can locate it.

Regards, Robert

[seaforth78]

Ah, that would figure, no wonder I couldn't find it last night on ancestry.

I'll look out for your PM. Thanks!

[seaforth78]

Robert,

Here he is with the sword in June 1914 (though obscured being in the back row).

Best,

S78

[Old Owl]

Robert,

Here he is with the sword (though obscured being in the back row).

Best,

S78

That's great. I haven't located the MIC yet but when I do I shall let you know.

Robert

[seaforth78]

Here is another one, albeit in mufti when commanding the 1/5th on the NW Frontier (taken from Volume 2 Hist.) sitting in the centre 4th from the right in 1936.