Half Company (58 men) of the 6th Volunteer Battalion 1901

[Blackfamily]

My name is Marilyn Adams and I am trying to track the progress of my grandfather, James Black, who enlisted as a volunteer in March 1901 and who subsequently was one of the Half Company who went as reinforcements to South Africa. His name is recorded on the Commemorative Plaque.

I would like to know how he made that journey and what happened when he reached Africa, including where he was likely to have been posted.He returned to the U.K. and left the unit at his own request, immediately re-enlisting in the R.A.M.C. so it is clear that his experiences in Africa inspired him to follow that course.

I am attaching two photos of my grandfather, who was 21 at the time, in camp with fellow volunteers.

[iain]

Hi Marilyn.  I have in my records a Bugler  J Black who was in the 6th VB Manchester regiment and went to South Africa and served Service with the 2nd Volunteer Service Company attached to 1st Batt Mancheter Regt from 16 March 1901 to 5 June 1902
His Regimental number was 7174 and was living at 20 Fankhill St when he volunteered.
Do you know the names of the other men in the photos?
You can read about the 2nd Volunteer Service Companies time in South Africa in my book 'HISTORY OF OLDHAM VOLUNTEER CORPS 1798 – 1908'

[Blackfamily]

Hi Iain,
Thank you very much for your help and pointing me in the direction of your book. The person you identified is indeed my grandfather who went on to enlist into the RAMC after he left the Manchesters, and he travelled the world again to China, Hong Kong, West and East Africa before he left the services in 1923.
I'm afraid I don't know the names of any of the other men in the photo.
Best wishes,
Marilyn