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Major John S Connole 2/4th Btn Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry


Pope1777

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Hello all.

 

A couple of questions:

 

I am trying to find the service record of my Great Grandfather John Sylvester Connole, which in and of itself is a bit of long shot. I have his MIC, Silver War Badge roll and Gazette entries from 1911-1915. 

 

If I understand correctly from reading help guides from the National Archives and the Long, Long Trail that I am most likely to find the information in collections; WO339 or WO374. Most likely in WO374 as he was an officer initially with the 5th Battalion, Duke of Cornwall's Light Infantry, which was a Territorial battalion. He was captain of H company, based at Bude, Cornwall in early 1914. By late 1914 he was with the 2/4th Battalion DCLI as adjutant, and later in 1915 as Major.

 

I'd like to get a bit of advice on how to go about using the 'paid search' with the National Archive, as neither collection is available online. I am loathe to part with nearly £30 if I might not receive any information, which is a possibility with these collections. What happens if no information comes up, do I still pay?

 

Second question. Was it customary for Officers to have official photographs taken, and how readily available would they be? I have seen plenty of photographs dotted about. I would like to see a photo of my great grandfather with his men (if there is one).

 

MIC link for reference. I have googled the long number/letter combinations to no avail. Also cannot make out the sentence underneath application for BW & TF medals.

 

Capt J S Connole & Colour Sergeant Chudley 1914

 

Thanks for your help.

 

Regards, Danial

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16 minutes ago, BarbaraG said:

IWM Lives of the First World War have a photograph - would this be your man?

Might even be you who added it?????????

 

Barbara

 

Yes that would be me. It's not a very good picture is it. 

 

I'm hoping somewhere there is a group photo of his battalion/company. 

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This doesn't answer your question but sounds an interesting chap.....

A distinctive name so assuming he was born in Australia about 1875.

Military background

3yrs - South Australian Mounted Rifles

3yrs - Bunbury Rifles

Letter in Banbury Herald 11Sept 1900 (National Library of Australia) ? Boer War

Served in India - Northern Star Lodge, Ferozepore 1917

Lodge of Obedience, Okehampton

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He certainly is an interesting man. He was born in Australia in 1875 and certainly served in the Second Boer War with the 4th Western Australian Mounted Infantry Contingent. He wrote back to his local newspaper a few times.

 

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  • spof changed the title to Major John S Connole 2/4th Btn Duke of Cornwalls Light Infantry

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