Just found a photo of my grandpa in France c1918; he wears 4 good conduct stripes, amounting to 18 years I believe? He was in the Buffs and I know he was in the Boer War first, then was an "Old Contemptible" in France from 1914; his medals which I have confirm this. My question is : to end up with those GC stripes would he have had to serve continuously e.g. 1900-1918, or could he have had a break as a civilian in between wars?
Hi, Are the stripes on his tunic left cuff/forearm? If so they are good conduct stripes and in my opinion entitlement would be restored after a break in service. There are many experts over on The Great War Forum who would likely be able to quote full chapter and verse on the relevant army regulations If the stripes are on the tunic right cuff/forearm they will be overseas service chevrons - one for each year (IIRC blue for 1914 and Red for the following years). Have you looked for his service papers on Ancestry/FMP? At the very least you ought to be able to locate his medal index card on Ancestry. Steve
Typical! Just found another family document which mentions him being "posted to the reserves" after the Boer War so that explains it, I think.