Medals awarded
- India Medal 1895-1902
Clasp: Tirah 1897-98
Clasp: Punjab Frontier 1897-98 - Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902
Clasp: Elandslaagte
Clasp: Defence of Ladysmith - 1914-15 Star
- British War Medal 1914-20
- Victory Medal 1914-19
MID oak leaf
Medals are shown left to right, as per the bullet point list above.
Ernest Gregorie Caffin (seated front row, second from left) joined the 19th Regiment of Foot as a Second Lieutenant in October 1891.
During his 28 years military service he served in both the Green Howards (19th Foot) and the Northumberland Fusiliers, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
Ernest saw action in the North West Frontier of India, the Boer War and on the Western Front in the First World War, where he commanded the 11th Battalion of the Northumberland Fusiliers.
Ernest was severely wounded twice; in India on the North West Frontier and later during the defence of Ladysmith in the Boer War; a wound which permanently disabled his right arm. Despite this, he led his battalion in the First World War during the fighting at Armentier, Calonne, Sonchez, Ploegstreet and the Somme – where he was Mentioned in Despatches.
At the end of Ernest’s career he settled in Bedale, North Yorkshire becoming a Justice of the Peace and Chairman of Northallerton Hospital.