Hi Lesley, It's not at all unusual for men to serve in the same regiment in the Boer War and WW1 with two different numbers. In most cases this is because they finished their stint as a regular soldier before 1914 and then volunteered again for WW1. In some cases of course men served in different regiments for the same reason. Some men also had different numbers in WW1 as a result of a change of numbering system in their units during the war. (e.g. In some cases a 4 figure number was changed to a 6 figure number). The despatches were published in the London Gazette so you could try a reference library for a microfilmed copy. Alternatively, I have details of all the Boer War despatches plus VC, DSO and DCM awards as they appeared in the LG in a reprint book called "South African War Honours and Awards 1899-1902 ". The IBSN number is 0-947898-74-3 and most booksellers (new or second hand) with a slant towards military history should either have a copy or be able to get one for you. Please bear in mind, however, that this mostly consists only of a list of names and units arranged by particular despatch. I found out about his wound in the casualty roll which I have as well as in my copy of "Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal 1855-1919" by P.E. Abbott. ISBN number 0-903754-37-1. The only documentation you are likely to find at Kew are copies of the medal rolls which would confirm his medal and clasp entitlement. The Queen's South Africa Medal roll reference for the KOYLI is WO 100/194. The King's South Africa Medal rolls are are also in the series WO 100 but I don't know the individual regimental subseries references. His WW1 medal entitlement can now be obtained online from Kew. They charge £3.50 for a copy of a man's Medal Index Card. Regards, David Lesley Chivers <l.chivers@a-m-u.net> wrote: Hi David and Margaret, thanks for your replies and interest in this. Thanks for all your info David, I have a couple more questions. He served in the KOYLI in both the Boer and Great War yet I have two different numbers, is this normal ? Can I get a copy of Lord Kitchener's despatch dated 8/3/1901, where would I find that ? I did know that he was wounded at Elandsdrift, although my fathers cousin no longer had the medals she had a newspaper article that told of his bravery at Elandsdrift. I suppose I would like something official to confirm this. I will write to the regimental museum to see if they can help me. I was wondering how you found out about it. I was thinking of going to Kew when I come to England this summer but by the sounds of it may be a lost cause. I thought some of the records had survived, what leads you to believe that these will not have. Thanks again, Lesley Send instant messages to your online friends http://uk.messenger.yahoo.com