James Conner 1879 clasp

Posts : 1 Join date : 2024-10-13

I'm researching my Grandfather's family whom I know very little about but have found a record of a J Conner who has an 1879 clasp on the Royal Lancers SA medal roll - Private 1549 - I think my dad once said he was in the Zulu war. Where could I find out more detail about his involvement please?

Posts : 57 Join date : 2024-02-15 Location : Somerset

Peter,

I have had a quick look to see if a service record survives but could not find one. You are correct about J Connor 1549 appearing on the medal roll. With no service record you could try looking at the Pay and Muster rolls for the 17th (The Duke of Cambridge's Own) Lancers, held at the National Archives to see what there is about your man.

WO16/1256 - 17th Lancers - 1878-1879
WO16/1257 - 17th Lancers - 1879-1881

Regards
Dash

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

The 17th Lancers were stationed at the Cavalry Barracks, Hounslow when the regiment was ordered to South Africa in February 1879. Colonel Drury-Lowe rejoined his regiment after retiring on half-pay when the then commanding officer, Colonel Thomas Gonne, met with an unfortunate accident. The Lancers arrived at Durban in two groups, on 7 April and 12 April, and advanced to Dundee to become part of a cavalry brigade under General Marshall. When the Zulus took flight at Ulundi (4 July), the 17th Lancers mounted and charged to complete the rout.

FRITH, Frederick John Cokayne, Lieutenant and Adjutant, 17th (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) Lancers (1858-1879). Cokayne Frith was killed at Zungeni Hill, near the uPhokhwe River on June 1879, aged 18 years 8 months.

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