Queens South Africa, Sgt.George Cole. West Yorkshire Regiment.

Queens South Africa, clasps Tugela Heights & Relief Of Ladysmith. Sgt.George Cole. West Yorkshire Regt. George John Cole born in the Parish of Southsea, Portsmouth. Joined at the age of 19 years and 2 months. Labourer by trade he joined the 2nd Bn West Yorkshire Regiment. Promoted steadily through the ranks to Lance Corporal on the 25th May 1895 , Corporal 1st April 1896 , then promoted to Sergeant on the 17th September 1899. It was then his record shows that things went downhill whilst on active duty at the time of the Boer War. Cole was court marshalled on the 6th March 1901 for, as noted in records, “without reasonable excuse allowing the escape of a prisoner.” This must have happened while he was guarding Boer prisoners of war. His punishment records show he was reduced to the rank of Corporal. It is noted that later on he went on to become a reservist holding the rank of Acting Sergeant. Clasps Tugela Heights and Relief of Ladysmith are confirmed on record. 'slight edge knock 7 o'clock'. (with copy medal roll and attestation papers).