Alfred Davies 2nd Battalion 1900

Norman · 13-01-2012, 18:53

Hi Richard
Very sorry, but no, we have no firm place of birth. We only know his Dads name from his marraige cert. Doing any search for Alfred we are just guessing. He's a real man of mystery.
regards Norman

Brenda Kinghorn · 13-01-2012, 20:40

According to Alfred's marriage certificate in October 1902, he was 26 years 4 months, which would make his date of birth June 1876ish. We know he was with 2nd Btn RWF at that time.
The 2nd Btn left China for India late 1902. I had presumed he was discharged in 1903ish because by the time of his first son's birth in Darjeeling January 1904, Alfred's occupation was listed as Sergeant Instructor with Assam Bengal Volunteer Rifles. (Well the certificate appears to say NBMR, but I took that to be an error in the transcription - it's certainly not RWF) I've attached the certificate so you can have a look.
The photo of him as Sergeant Major sporting a LSGC medal was taken in 1910.
If he enlisted at 16, his total length of service would amount to 18 years in 1910 if his time with both the RWF and ABVR are taken into account. Is it calculated on total length of service, regardless of with whom? Or is it a possibiliity that he was seconded to the ABVR from RWF?

**Baconwallah** · 13-01-2012, 21:42

The certificate says N.B.M.R. and it's no transcription error. It stands for Northern Bengal Mounted Rifles (HQ at Darjeeling). Apparently Alfred believed in variety.

Enlistment at 16, in 1892, would have meant a number somewhere in the neighbourhood of 3750.

Secondment from RWF to NBMR or ABRyVR/ABRyB would have been theoretically possible, I presume, but highly unlikely.

Still a mystery.

John

Brenda Kinghorn · 13-01-2012, 21:49

Aaah, the plot thickens!
I thought he went straight from RWF to ABRVR, but apparently not.
Thanks for that piece of info - another avenue to try.

Brenda

**Baconwallah** · 13-01-2012, 22:40

And the NBMR badge:

nmbr 01_cr.jpg

John

Norman · 14-01-2012, 10:11

From the London Gazette 1920

The KING has approved the relinquishmentof their temporary commissions by the undermentioned',and the grant of rank as shown

below: —

INDIAN DEFENCE FORCE.Lt.-Col. R. S. Hawkins, V.D., and is granted

the rank of Lt.-Col. 19th May 1920.

Could this explain the casual dress in the staff photo?

**Baconwallah** · 14-01-2012, 11:17

I don't quite see how, Norman.

John

Norman · 12-11-2012, 19:51

Hi All.
I know it's been a while, but we are still digging. I've wandered off along the way, tracing my Mothers family. Will get back on track soon.
Norman