Register House in Edinburgh holds a list of Scottish casualties, but at most it lists surname, first initial, rank and number. I have looked at this register and it's very sparse. There appear to be no dates of death in most cases and very few causes of death. It is listed by regiment and not date. Also, unlike standard Birth, Marriage and Death certificates it has not been digitised so it can be quite difficult to read at times. From enquiries I made this list seemed to be compiled from the official casualty roll and is of men who are recognised as being Scottish nationals (i.e. born in Scotland), thereforethere are bound to be a few that "slipped through the net" and are not listed. Steven, do you have any more information on your great-uncles? I am compiling information on Scottish casualties and would be very interested in any information you may have. Regards, David McNay ----- Original Message ----- From: "Stephen McMillan" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 8:05 PM Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > Hi David, > > Many, many thanks for your help, I have been trying to find out some more > details on > Andrew & Hugh for some time. > > Do you know if the National Archives in Edinburgh would hold their death > certificates > or would I need to request details from the PRO ? > > Thanks, > Steve > ----- Original Message ----- > From: "David Humphry" <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 6:35 PM > Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > > > > Hello Steve, > > > > The casualty roll shows only two Campbells with these initials who died > > while serving with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders so they are > > presumably your great uncles. > > > > 2867 Pte. A. Campbell 1st Battalion killed in action Modder River > > 28/11/1899. Originally buried at Modder River Rail Cemetery. Later > > re-interred at West End Garden of Remembrance, Kimberley. Grave marked by > a > > named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. Served in 'B' Company. > > > > 4047 Pte. H. Campbell 4th Battalion. Died of disease Kroonstad 17/6/1901. > > Buried North Road Cemetery, Kroonstad. Grave number 891. Grave marked by a > > named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. > > > > Regards, > > > > David > > > > ----- Original Message ----- > > From: Stephen McMillan <[email protected]> > > To: <[email protected]> > > Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 12:21 AM > > Subject: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > > > > > > > Hi There, > > > > > > Please can somebody help me, I am trying to find out some more details > > about my 2 Great Uncles, > > > Hugh and Andrew Campbell who were both killed in the Boer War, both > appear > > to have served with > > > the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. > > > > > > Any further info would be gratefully appreciated. > > > > > > Thanks, > > > Steve, > > > (Paisley, Scotland) > > > > > > > > > > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > > List Admin Message > > http://freespace.virgin.net/genealogical.collections/AdminMessage.htm > > > > ============================== > > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, > go to: > > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > > > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > Boer War Reading > http://freespace.virgin.net/anglers.rest/BoerWarReading.htm > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

Hello Heather, The 2nd Battalion Rifle Brigade was besieged in Ladysmith while the 1st Battalion was in the relief force. The siege lasted from 2/11/1899 until 28/2/1900. 2/RB landed in Durban in S.S. Jelunga 26/10/1899 and reached Ladysmith 30/10/1899, only three days before the town was cut off. 2/RB was specifically involved in a couple of actions during the siege. On 9/12/1899 five companies made a night attack on a Boer gun position on Surprise Hill outside Ladysmith. The attack was successful and the gun destroyed but they ran into trouble on the way back to Ladysmith. The Boers had managed to work round the back of the RB and cut off their escape and they had to fight their way out with the bayonet. They lost 12 killed, 36 wounded and 10 missing. The whole battalion was involved in the battle of Wagon Hill 6/1/1900 which was the only serious attempt by the Boers to capture Ladysmith. They lost 18 killed and 37 wounded. More general details of the siege can be found in any history of the war. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Heather Smith <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 10:55 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR]South African Medals Rifle Brigade Winchester > Hello, David > > Can you possibly assist me in finding the name of unit of the Rifle Brigade > that my great grandfather joined in 1894, please? Also information on the > besiege of Ladysmith. > > Charles Edward Lowman of Hampshire joined the Rifle Brigade at the age of 18 > in 1894. He took part in the Nile Expedition in 1898 was at the battle of > Omdurman, the occupation of Crete and was in South Africa 1899-1902, being > one of those besieged at Ladysmith. > > Charles rejoined for WW1 in 1914 and was awarded seven medals, none are in > the family's procession. > > The Sudan, Khedive's medal , with Khartoum clasp, South African medals and > clasps,, the 1914 Star, the Victory medal, and the King' medal. > > The Rifle Brigade at Winchester and the Totton British Legion sounded the > Last Post and Reveille at his funeral on 22nd August 1936. > > Regards > > Heather Smith formerly Lowman

Hi Steve, Death certificates for men who died on service in the Boer War are, as for civilian deaths in England and Wales, available from the Registrar General's Office in Southport, telephone 0151 471 4200. As with most such organisations there will be a separate office for Scotland but I've inherited a copy of the death certificate of a man in the Black Watch who was killed at Magersfontein which was issued from the English RGO in 1999 so I assume all Boer War death certificates are available from there. They are definitely not available at the National Archives (PRO). The information on them is very sparse, less so than on civilian death certificates and with much less detail than I already gave you, and in fact nothing more than appears in the casualty roll. The copy I have states that it is "An entry in an Army Register Book of Deaths in the South African War (1899-1902)" and shows the man's name, rank and number with date, place and cause of death. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Stephen McMillan <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 8:05 PM Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > Hi David, > > Many, many thanks for your help, I have been trying to find out some more > details on > Andrew & Hugh for some time. > > Do you know if the National Archives in Edinburgh would hold their death > certificates > or would I need to request details from the PRO ? > > Thanks, > Steve

I am seeking advice from this list please, trying to track down Herbert LEWIS of Croydon, b 1866. This man is missing from the 1901 census in England, yet his wife and children are all living in Croydon with his father and sisters. His wife dies later in May 1901 and, from the informant names etc. given on death certificate so he was possibly still not about in England. I am trying to establish where he might have been; one thought was in South Africa at the war. Given his age he was 'getting on' but may have been an officer as he was very prominent in business life in the City. I have searched the net trying to find any enlistment roll listings, with no success. Here in NZ we have rolls which I could use but searches in our library here in Auckland have not yielded any clue about how I could possibly eliminate or place him in/from the war. Any suggestions welcome. By way of return, I have the enrolment lists of NZer's who served in the Great War and can do look-ups for the list. Michael New Zealand

Hello, David Can you possibly assist me in finding the name of unit of the Rifle Brigade that my great grandfather joined in 1894, please? Also information on the besiege of Ladysmith. Charles Edward Lowman of Hampshire joined the Rifle Brigade at the age of 18 in 1894. He took part in the Nile Expedition in 1898 was at the battle of Omdurman, the occupation of Crete and was in South Africa 1899-1902, being one of those besieged at Ladysmith. Charles rejoined for WW1 in 1914 and was awarded seven medals, none are in the family's procession. The Sudan, Khedive's medal , with Khartoum clasp, South African medals and clasps, the 1914 Star, the Victory medal, and the King' medal. The Rifle Brigade at Winchester and the Totton British Legion sounded the Last Post and Reveille at his funeral on 22nd August 1936. Regards Heather Smith formerly Lowman

Hello, David Can you possibly assist me in finding the name of unit of the Rifle Brigade that my great grandfather joined in 1894, please? Also information on the besiege of Ladysmith. Charles Edward Lowman of Hampshire joined the Rifle Brigade at the age of 18 in 1894. He took part in the Nile Expedition in 1898 was at the battle of Omdurman, the occupation of Crete and was in South Africa 1899-1902, being one of those besieged at Ladysmith. Charles rejoined for WW1 in 1914 and was awarded seven medals, none are in the family's procession. The Sudan, Khedive's medal , with Khartoum clasp, South African medals and clasps, the 1914 Star, the Victory medal, and the King' medal. The Rifle Brigade at Winchester and the Totton British Legion sounded the Last Post and Reveille at his funeral on 22nd August 1936. Regards Heather Smith formerly Lowman Hello David, The Queen's South Africa Medal roll for the regular cavalry shows 4237 Pte. C.A. Smith 2nd Dragoon Guards entitled to the medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal & South Africa 1902. Thiis ties in with the late arrival of 2DG who landed at Cape Town around the turn of the year 1901/1902. (The war ended on 31/5/1902). They had long since missed all the major battles and served in columns on the drives which attempted to capture the remnants of the Boer commandos still out in the field. The regiment was mainly involved in these drives in the northern Orange Free State and southern Transvaal, hence these two clasps on the medal. He would have automatically qualified for the Cape Colony clasp just by landing at Cape Town and the dated clasp just for being there during the first five months of 1902. Regards, David

Hello, David Can you possibly assist me in finding the name of unit of the Rifle Brigade that my great grandfather joined in 1894, please? Also information on the besiege of Ladysmith. Charles Edward Lowman of Hampshire joined the Rifle Brigade at the age of 18 in 1894. He took part in the Nile Expedition in 1898 was at the battle of Omdurman, the occupation of Crete and was in South Africa 1899-1902, being one of those besieged at Ladysmith. Charles rejoined for WW1 in 1914 and was awarded seven medals, none are in the family's procession. The Sudan, Khedive's medal , with Khartoum clasp, South African medals and clasps,, the 1914 Star, the Victory medal, and the King' medal. The Rifle Brigade at Winchester and the Totton British Legion sounded the Last Post and Reveille at his funeral on 22nd August 1936. Regards Heather Smith formerly Lowman Hello David, The Queen's South Africa Medal roll for the regular cavalry shows 4237 Pte. C.A. Smith 2nd Dragoon Guards entitled to the medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal & South Africa 1902. Thiis ties in with the late arrival of 2DG who landed at Cape Town around the turn of the year 1901/1902. (The war ended on 31/5/1902). They had long since missed all the major battles and served in columns on the drives which attempted to capture the remnants of the Boer commandos still out in the field. The regiment was mainly involved in these drives in the northern Orange Free State and southern Transvaal, hence these two clasps on the medal. He would have automatically qualified for the Cape Colony clasp just by landing at Cape Town and the dated clasp just for being there during the first five months of 1902. Regards, David I am in the early stages of researching my family tree and have established that one of my first cousins (Cecil Archibald Valentine SMITH) was a Trooper/Private in the Queens Bays. In the 1901 Census (which was taken on 31 March) he was at the West Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot but I believe that later the 2nd Dragoon Gurads sailed to South Africa for the Boer War. To start the ball rolling is there anyone who can tell me where the 2nd Dragoon Guards were posted during the War and in what actions they would have taken part in. David Blackmore Bristol

Hi David, Many, many thanks for your help, I have been trying to find out some more details on Andrew & Hugh for some time. Do you know if the National Archives in Edinburgh would hold their death certificates or would I need to request details from the PRO ? Thanks, Steve ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Humphry" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 6:35 PM Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > Hello Steve, > > The casualty roll shows only two Campbells with these initials who died > while serving with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders so they are > presumably your great uncles. > > 2867 Pte. A. Campbell 1st Battalion killed in action Modder River > 28/11/1899. Originally buried at Modder River Rail Cemetery. Later > re-interred at West End Garden of Remembrance, Kimberley. Grave marked by a > named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. Served in 'B' Company. > > 4047 Pte. H. Campbell 4th Battalion. Died of disease Kroonstad 17/6/1901. > Buried North Road Cemetery, Kroonstad. Grave number 891. Grave marked by a > named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. > > Regards, > > David > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Stephen McMillan <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 12:21 AM > Subject: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > > > > Hi There, > > > > Please can somebody help me, I am trying to find out some more details > about my 2 Great Uncles, > > Hugh and Andrew Campbell who were both killed in the Boer War, both appear > to have served with > > the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. > > > > Any further info would be gratefully appreciated. > > > > Thanks, > > Steve, > > (Paisley, Scotland) > > > > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > List Admin Message > http://freespace.virgin.net/genealogical.collections/AdminMessage.htm > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

David, Many thanks for the informstion on the 2nd Dragoon Guards. It's a greatr help. David ----- Original Message ----- From: "David Humphry" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 6:35 PM Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] 2nd Dragoon Guards > Hello David, > > The Queen's South Africa Medal roll for the regular cavalry shows 4237 Pte. > C.A. Smith 2nd Dragoon Guards entitled to the medal with clasps Cape Colony, > Orange Free State, Transvaal & South Africa 1902. > > Thiis ties in with the late arrival of 2DG who landed at Cape Town around > the turn of the year 1901/1902. (The war ended on 31/5/1902). They had long > since missed all the major battles and served in columns on the drives which > attempted to capture the remnants of the Boer commandos still out in the > field. The regiment was mainly involved in these drives in the northern > Orange Free State and southern Transvaal, hence these two clasps on the > medal. He would have automatically qualified for the Cape Colony clasp just > by landing at Cape Town and the dated clasp just for being there during the > first five months of 1902. > > Regards, > > David > > ----- Original Message ----- > From: Dave <[email protected]> > To: <[email protected]> > Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 9:40 AM > Subject: [BOER-WAR] 2nd Dragoon Guards > > > > I am in the early stages of researching my family tree and have > established that one of my first cousins (Cecil Archibald Valentine SMITH) > was a Trooper/Private in the Queens Bays. In the 1901 Census (which was > taken on 31 March) he was at the West Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot but I > believe that later the 2nd Dragoon Gurads sailed to South Africa for the > Boer War. To start the ball rolling is there anyone who can tell me where > the 2nd Dragoon Guards were posted during the War and in what actions they > would have taken part in. > > David Blackmore > > Bristol > > > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > List Admin Message > http://freespace.virgin.net/genealogical.collections/AdminMessage.htm > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

Hello David, The Queen's South Africa Medal roll for the regular cavalry shows 4237 Pte. C.A. Smith 2nd Dragoon Guards entitled to the medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal & South Africa 1902. Thiis ties in with the late arrival of 2DG who landed at Cape Town around the turn of the year 1901/1902. (The war ended on 31/5/1902). They had long since missed all the major battles and served in columns on the drives which attempted to capture the remnants of the Boer commandos still out in the field. The regiment was mainly involved in these drives in the northern Orange Free State and southern Transvaal, hence these two clasps on the medal. He would have automatically qualified for the Cape Colony clasp just by landing at Cape Town and the dated clasp just for being there during the first five months of 1902. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Dave <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, September 28, 2003 9:40 AM Subject: [BOER-WAR] 2nd Dragoon Guards > I am in the early stages of researching my family tree and have established that one of my first cousins (Cecil Archibald Valentine SMITH) was a Trooper/Private in the Queens Bays. In the 1901 Census (which was taken on 31 March) he was at the West Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot but I believe that later the 2nd Dragoon Gurads sailed to South Africa for the Boer War. To start the ball rolling is there anyone who can tell me where the 2nd Dragoon Guards were posted during the War and in what actions they would have taken part in. > David Blackmore > Bristol

Hello Steve, The casualty roll shows only two Campbells with these initials who died while serving with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders so they are presumably your great uncles. 2867 Pte. A. Campbell 1st Battalion killed in action Modder River 28/11/1899. Originally buried at Modder River Rail Cemetery. Later re-interred at West End Garden of Remembrance, Kimberley. Grave marked by a named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. Served in 'B' Company. 4047 Pte. H. Campbell 4th Battalion. Died of disease Kroonstad 17/6/1901. Buried North Road Cemetery, Kroonstad. Grave number 891. Grave marked by a named metal cross. Name on cemetery memorial. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Stephen McMillan <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 12:21 AM Subject: [BOER-WAR] Boer War Casualty > Hi There, > > Please can somebody help me, I am trying to find out some more details about my 2 Great Uncles, > Hugh and Andrew Campbell who were both killed in the Boer War, both appear to have served with > the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. > > Any further info would be gratefully appreciated. > > Thanks, > Steve, > (Paisley, Scotland)

Hi There, Please can somebody help me, I am trying to find out some more details about my 2 Great Uncles, Hugh and Andrew Campbell who were both killed in the Boer War, both appear to have served with the Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders. Any further info would be gratefully appreciated. Thanks, Steve, (Paisley, Scotland)

Dave there have not been many postings recently. You can get a good idea of what sorts of thing you can find out by going to the Boer War list archives at rootsweb. Between the centenary dates of 1999-2002 there were thousands of postings. Pat ----- Original Message ----- From: "Dave" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Monday, 29 September 2003 05:42 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR] No E-mails > I recently subscribed in LIST mode but have yet to receive a single posting. Is there anything wrong? > David Blackmore > Bristol > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > Boer War List Page > http://freespace.virgin.net/anglers.rest/BoerWar.htm > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 > >

Hello List Could someone with knowledge of the Boer war please help with my research on Frederick James Darby. Frederick's details: Born: Timaru, New Zealand 1876. Son of John and Sarah Darby. Reg No: 3603 Contingent; sixth Unit No 19 Company Ship 'Cornwall" 30 January 1901 Rank private Any help as to how he died and his time in the service would be appreciated. Thank you Alison Darby

I recently subscribed in LIST mode but have yet to receive a single posting. Is there anything wrong? David Blackmore Bristol

John, Many thanks for your reply :) That makes sense actually as there was an instructor mentioned. Wendy ----- Original Message ----- From: <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 26, 2003 11:04 PM Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Rank - four stripes? > Dear Wendy, > Although it is difficult to be certain without seeing the 'photo, the badges > you describe are that of a Sergeant Instructor of Musketry. If the badges are > worn above the elbow and the stripes point downward then I am certain that I > am correct. > > JOHN CRONIN (CHRISTCHURCH DORSET UK) > If you believe in freedom thank a VETERAN > not a politician. > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > Boer War Reading > http://freespace.virgin.net/anglers.rest/BoerWarReading.htm > > ============================== > To join Ancestry.com and access our 1.2 billion online genealogy records, go to: > http://www.ancestry.com/rd/redir.asp?targetid=571&sourceid=1237 >

I am in the early stages of researching my family tree and have established that one of my first cousins (Cecil Archibald Valentine SMITH) was a Trooper/Private in the Queens Bays. In the 1901 Census (which was taken on 31 March) he was at the West Cavalry Barracks, Aldershot but I believe that later the 2nd Dragoon Gurads sailed to South Africa for the Boer War. To start the ball rolling is there anyone who can tell me where the 2nd Dragoon Guards were posted during the War and in what actions they would have taken part in. David Blackmore Bristol

Hello Paul, It sounds like someone was being a bit premature. It's possible that he was recommended for a VC but the recommendation was rejected. This did happen and I can confirm that he didn't receive a VC. However the only other decoration he could have been awarded at that time was the Distinguished Conduct Medal but I can also confirm that he wasn't awarded a DCM either. He may have been Mentioned in Despatches (MID) instead but that's a long way removed from a VC unless the recipient didn't survive. Until recently the only combat awards which could be made posthumously were the VC or MID but it appears he survived the war. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Paul Benyon <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Friday, September 26, 2003 1:02 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR] Trooper Tom Morris > > I have the following extract which appears to imply that Trooper Morris > was to receive the VC, however a check through on-line sources and > correspondence with relatives alive now suggests that he never received > it: > > >From the Illustrated London News Dec 1899 - Apr 1900 I have the > following extract: > > "The Colonies should share the good things of the Empire has become more > than ever in accordance with the fitness of things. It is only right, > therefore, that the war in South Africa, which has united as well as > divided, should be the means of taking that most coveted decoration, the > Victoria Cross, to Australasia. > > Trooper Tom Morris, of the New South Wales Lancers, is the happy man > who, " for valour," is the recipient of the Cross that will mark him out > as a hero on his return to the Antipodes. Indeed, on his return through > London Trooper Tom Morris, V.C., is pretty sure of a welcome from the > citizens that will exceed in enthusiasm, if that is possible, the cheers > which formed the Colonial's send- off when they were outward bound." > > There is a photo of Trooper Morris at > > http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/ILN_1899-1900/Trooper_Morris_VC.html > > with links to letters of the period, the second of which also mentions > the VC. > > Could it be that he was merely recommended for the VC, but that at the > end of the day it was decided that his act of bravery didn't warrant the > award - and if not could it be that he received another award - and if > so what ? > > Paul

Hi John, Apologies. Must get my brain into gear before replying to the list. Yes, I agree with you. Wendy's precise description is that of an NCO musketry instructor. I would just add that the fourth stripe is indicative of a Sergeant Major Instructor of Musketry. Gary > -----Original Message----- > From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] > Sent: 26 September 2003 11:04 pm > To: [email protected] > Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Rank - four stripes? > > > Dear Wendy, > Although it is difficult to be certain without seeing the > 'photo, the badges > you describe are that of a Sergeant Instructor of Musketry. > If the badges are > worn above the elbow and the stripes point downward then I am > certain that I > am correct. > > JOHN CRONIN (CHRISTCHURCH DORSET UK)

Gary, He may not be a sergeant major in this case. I quote from BRITISH ARMY PROFICIENCY BADGES by EDWARDS and LANGLEY page 34 ' To be worn by sergeant instructors of musketry, School of Musketry above four bar chevrons. In practice all S-I-M wore the crossed rifles and crown above chevrons'. In the same book there is a photograph of a soldier in a volunteer regiment wearing the badge above a 4 bar set of chevrons in 1878. See page 36. Unfortunately the book does not state his rank just the appointment as S-I-M. I also have Major Dawnay's book on the evolution of WO and NCO rank badges and will dip into it and let you know if I can find anything. The answer could be clouded by the fact that Wendy's man was from a Volunteer Battalion rather than a Line Battalion. As you may be aware VB often 'did it their way' or at least their colonels did. All the best JOHN CRONIN (CHRISTCHURCH DORSET UK) If you believe in freedom thank a VETERAN not a politician.