Pte Lewitt of the 58th Foot

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

Gentleman,

I'm new to this forum and also a total newbe when it comes to medal research..

I have a South African Service medal, and I would like to find out more about the recipient.

The medal is inscribed: 29/577 B. Lewitt 58th Foot and has the 1879 bar.
From the WO47/29 medal roll I get 29B/577, so I take it he was in "B" company?

I don't have a first name for him, but going by birth records in Leicestershire are, it is most likely Benjamin?

I'm also interested if he was still with the 58th when they saw service at Laing's Nek & Amajuba, unfortionatly I have not been able to source any detail.

All information would be greatly apprciated!

Subject: Pte Lewitt 58th Regt Thu Mar 25, 2021 10:25 pm

Hi Jancodk
All I can tell you is that Lewiit wasn't Killed or Wounded at Laing's Nek or Majuba according to ' British Casualties Of The First Boer War 1880-81 ' . Several on here will be able to give you more detail , hopefully ' Graves1879' reads your post .
90th Salute

Posts : 615 Join date : 2013-05-07 Location : Brecon

In 1873 the 58th (Rutlandshire) was linked with 48th (Northamptonshire) Foot with a regimental depot at Gibraltar Barracks, Northampton. The depot was named 29th Brigade Regimental District. So 29B = 29th Brigade Regimental District. Soldiers recruited for 58th Foot after 1873 were allocated 29B numbers. With a number 29B/577, Levitt probably enlisted in 1873 or 1874. In July 1881, the battalions - 48th and 58th became the 1st and 2nd Battalions Northamptonshire Regiment. ‘B’ = Brigade NOT B Company.

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

Thank you so mush, this has all helped already.

Some photos of the medal:
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Posts : 3463 Join date : 2021-01-04

Hi Jancodk
Was your Benjamin Lewitt born to Sarah and John and baptised at St Margaret's in Leicester on the 10th August 1851?
Kate Very Happy

Posts : 3385 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi 90th & Jancodk

I have drawn a blank with the name B Lewitt.

Andy

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

gardner1879 wrote:: Hi Jancodk
Was your Benjamin Lewitt born to Sarah and John and baptised at St Margaret's in Leicester on the 10th August 1851?
Kate

I think so.

Your info is the same as what I found, and the only ones I could find that fit the age bracket.

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

1879graves wrote:: Hi 90th & Jancodk

I have drawn a blank with the name B Lewitt.

Andy

Hi Andy,

Maybe try "Lewett"?

I found an account for a Pte. Benjamin Lewitt, 2nd Battalion Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Regiment, who was wounded and taken prisoner on 20th October 1914, who's surname is written as "Lewett" on his campaign document.

Obviously not the same individual as my inquiry, but might be a family relation.

Posts : 3463 Join date : 2021-01-04

Talking of possible family relations there was a Pvt. B Lewitt service no 4546 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, wounded during the Boer War at Farquhars farm 10km east of Ladysmith on the 30th October 1899. QSA Clasps: Ta KSA Clasps: SA01,SA02.
Kate Very Happy

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

gardner1879 wrote:: Talking of possible family relations there was a Pvt. B Lewitt service no 4546 1st Battalion Leicestershire Regiment, wounded during the Boer War at Farquhars farm 10km east of Ladysmith on the 30th October 1899. QSA Clasps: Ta KSA Clasps: SA01,SA02.
Kate

There is a picture of his QSA with single clasp "Talana" on Anglo Boer War website.
Was up for auction at DNW about a 18months ago.
(page 44 of "QSA with Talana clasp" under "Medals and awards")

Posts : 3385 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi all

This could be our man? Born 1856/1857

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Andy

Posts : 9 Join date : 2021-03-25 Location : Auckland

1879graves wrote:: Hi all

This could be our man? Born 1856/1857

Andy

Hi Andy,

Might very well be my man.

Thank you sincerely for your effort & info!

Subject: Pte Lewitt 58th Regt Sun Mar 28, 2021 12:09 am

Nice work Andy agree

90th

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All,
A Benjamin Lewitt born circa 1854/56 marries Mary Carr 5 April 1885 at St Peter's Leicester.
1911 census they are living 8 Linford St, Belgrave, Leicester, Mary + 2 Kids Elsie b.1892 and Florrie Mary b.1900 all are alive in 1921 still in Leicester.
No Military Records.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse.

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