Description
Queen’s South Africa, 3 bars, Tvl SA 1901, SA 1902, 6976 Sergt Leonard Murrel, 2nd Volunteer Company West Yorkshire Regiment.
Naming Officially impressed, apart from rank which has been re-engraved:
“6976 SERJT L. Murrell. Vol. Coy. W. York: Regt.” Attempted erasure to “Vol” and Sergt re-engraved, presumably by recipient to correct this rank on the medal, who looks to have disagreed with what was stamped on his medal at the mint.
Leonard Murrell was born in Howarth, Keighley, Yorskhire during 1880.
He enlisted with the 2nd Volunteer Bn W York Regt on 21st March 1900.
He was a 20 year old clerk but had already been a soldier having purchased his way out of the 2nd Bn Scots Fusiliers.
He had been a soldier multiple times before but purchased his way out each, including a whole 3 days of time in the 3rd Bn West Riding Regt before purchased himself out of service.
“Rejoined for Colours under Spcial Army Order 5.1.01” on 5th February 1901.
Being posted for active service on 16th March 1901.
He was discharged after his return home with the rank of Sergt having completed his terms of engagement on 26th June 1902.
Served overseas in South Africa with his unit from 16th March 1901 – 26th June 1902
Having gone out as a Private he returned home as a Sergeant, which looks to be the cause of the medal naming disagreement, the roll does say it should have said Sergeant but it might have mentioned a lower rank he held.
