Newly commissioned  warrant officer Sergeant Major John Griffiths  of the 1/West India Regiment probably posed for this portrait to commemorate the event in 1888. 

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Griffiths was born on 18 January 1855 in Friars Park,  Carmarthenshire, Wales, the son of Daniel Griffiths and Ann Evans.

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He attested for military service sometime around 1873, but it is uncertain with which regiment.  He served in the ranks for 15 years, 49 days before being promoted sergeant major by royal warrant on 6 October 1888. at which time he was posted to the West India Regiments depot. He was appointed quartermaster and honorary lieutenant 0n 9 December 1896.

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Griffiths would see his only active service in thee field  during the so-called Hut Tax War of  1898-9 inn Sierra Leone. He was entitled to the East and West Africa Medal with the clasp "Sierra Leone 1898-9".

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He was appointed honorary captain on 9 December 1906.  He retired 6 February 1907,  It would appear that Griffiths retirement may have been health related given that he passed away from pneumonia  just over two weeks later on 22 February 1907.

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Griffiths possible marriage is currently being researched.

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Cabinet Photograph

royal Studios - Brown, Barnes, & Bell  - Photographers

31 Bond Street, Liverpool, England

c. 1888

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