British Army Soldiers Small Book (Army Form B50) - Pte W.H. Mahar, 3rd Royal Garrison Regiment (RGR)

Issued to either regular soldiers once attested and intended to be kept on the person of the individual and kept up to date during service by the commanding officer of the Squadron, Troop, Battery, or Company to which the man belonged. Printed by Gale & Polden for the HMSO and dated 1901.

This one was issued to Regimental No 2826, Pte W.H. Mahar, who enlisted in The 3rd Royal Garrison Regiment in Dorchester, Dorset in July 1901, aged 28. His trade is given as a Musician. His next-of-kin is given as his wife and two children then residing in Dorchester. Any additional information welcome.

The Boer War Reserve Regiments only served in the UK and were phased out in 1901, when the Royal Garrison Regiment was formed. Four battalions were raised. The 1st, 3rd and 4th battalions were sent to Malta, whilst the 2nd was sent to Gibraltar. In 1904, all four were moved to South Africa for garrison duty there as the regular units returned to normal duties. A fifth battalion was raised in 1902, for service in Canada. All five battalions were disbanded in 1906-7, and the regiment was disbanded in August 1908.

In reasonable condition, card covers some staining to outside. 43 pages of printed material in total with useful service information included a template for a last Will which has not been completed (no point 'tempting fate', etc). Some light pencil marks on some pages. Scarce.

Comm GrSt

Code: 68363