Joseph Gregory Swindells

[Tony Swindells]

Hello, I recently discovered that my great uncle Joseph Gregory Swindells served with the Manchester Regiment in the Boer War and World War 1 and would like to find out more. He is one of five brothers who all joined up in 1914 and survived the war.

My great grandfather William b1873 served in the Army Service Corps in East Africa
John b1875 served in the Royal Artillery
Joseph Gregory b1879 served in the Manchester Regiment
Henry b1884 served with the US army, he had emigrated
George b1886 served with the Royal Engineers.

Joseph Gregory Swindells signed up with the 1st VB Manchester Regiment 9 February 1900 in Ashton u Lyne and was posted to South Africa 15 February 1900 returning 21 May 1901. The records on Ancestry.co.uk list him as John Gregory Swindells, however it is Joseph as he changes his name at the bottom of one of the pages and he lists his next of kin as Joshua, my great great grandfather.

I would be very interested to find out more about him, where he fought etc.

PS i have a formal photograph of him in uniform which i am willing to share with the group.

Any information would be greatly appreciated

[tonyrod]

hi tony , and welcome to the forum,  i am sure someone will be along to help  a link to our main site,
 http://www.themanchesters.org/    good luck with your research. tonyrod

[Robert Bonner]

Tony - Welcome to the Forum.  This will tell you a little bit about your great - uncle Private 7028 Swindells JG when he joined the 1st Volunteer Service Company.

In Wigan the men accepted for service from that battalion attended divine service in the parish church on 4 February 1900.  Their march to and from church was accompanied by thousands of cheering townspeple. Five days later they went by train to Ashton-under-Lyne where the 1st VSC assembled at the barracks on 9/10th February, composed of selected men from the 1st, 2nd and 4th Volunteer Battalions,

They arrived at Capetown on 9th March and from there sailed to Durban. Then by train in open railway trucks to Ladysmith where they joined the 1st Battalion on 14th March.  They were given their role in the battalion as 'I' Company.

Robert

[Tony Swindells]

Thank you for that, much appreciated.

[themonsstar]

Here is the Medal roll for the 1st Volunteer Active Service Coy.

The medal (QSA medal)was awarded with the clasps, Belfast & Natal

[Tony Swindells]

Wow this is brilliant thank you very much