Hi Sarah I have same problem. My Grandfather, James FROST fought in both the Boer and Great Wars and survived. He died in 1930 from a stomach ulcer. His parents were Thomas FROST and Eliza? He was born around 1880, possibly in shropshire. I would be interested to know if anyone can shed any light on this sort of problem. Best Wishes Jane

Hello, I know this is a really long shot, but wondered whether anyone might be able to help me at all. According to family rumour, my greatgrandfather served in the cavalry in both the Boer and Great War. His name was Benjamin Kendall, he was born in 1877 in Aston, Warwickshire (now part of Birmingham) and was the son of Benjamin and Angelina Kendall. He was unmarried in 1901, survived the Boer War and went on to survive the Great War, dying in the 1940s. I've checked and he's not on the 1901 census (for what that is worth). Any pointers on how to find out more about him would be greatly appreciated. Many thanks, Sarah Birch _________________________________________________________________ Stay in touch with absent friends - get MSN Messenger http://www.msn.co.uk/messenger

Hello can any one help i have a photo (willing to share) of my husbands great grandfather at a boer war veterans reunion possible 1952 and would like to know any information on him we don't know what regiment or his service number but think we have found him on the 1901 census in leicester full name John WILSON born 1880 leicester son of Thomas and Ellen WILSON thank you Alison and Richard WILSON why not visit our web site http://www.tribalpages.com/tribes?userid=ally

It goes back before the Boer Wars to the Indian Mutiny 1857-1860 Précis from A History of the Northumberland Fusiliers 1674-1902: In April 1858... "The Fifth, worn out and much reduced in numbers, were sent to Cawnpore, where they remained in garrison for two months. The regiment was served out with tunics and trousers of thin cotton, dyed a new colour, called "khaki"." John LOVE near Old Sarum -----Original Message----- From: John Wilson [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 25 May 2003 23:53 To: [email protected] Subject: [BOER-WAR] Re: Dull Khaki Uniforms Dull Khaki Uniforms without decorations: <snip>

Hello! Just wondering if anyone has had experience hiring a researcher to find Boer War records at the PRO? My relative wishes to hire a researcher to find her grandfather who died during the Boer War. We are wondering how likely that records will be found and if so, would there be any details of family included in these records? A reputable researcher has been recommended, but he says that it is possible that not much will be found. Would be interested to hear of others experiences. Thanks very much, Judy Jones. Steve, Judy, Samuel and Brett Jones Brisbane, Australia mailto:[email protected] visit us on the web at http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/sajones/xmas/frame.htm or alternatively go to http://www.users.bigpond.net.au/sajones if you have a broadband connection to the Internet

And haven't I read somewhere that at Magersfontein (I think) a highland kilted regiment, pinned down all day in the sun by Boers were practically all hospitalized because of bad sunburn to the backs of their legs? Pat -----Original Message----- From: John Wilson <[email protected]> To: [email protected] <[email protected]> Date: Monday, 26 May 2003 10:51 AM Subject: [BOER-WAR] Re: Dull Khaki Uniforms >Dull Khaki Uniforms without decorations: > >Thomas Pakenham in "The Boer War" (Ch 12) mentions the Gordon >Highlanders at Ladysmith camp before the battle of Elandslaagte, 21 >October 1899. They had just arrived from India and were preparing to meet >the Boer on the veld: "There were kilts to be patched and mended, khaki >covers to be sewn over the hairy black and white sporrans, and the usual >mixture of brown paint and cow-dung to be painted over the white webbing >..... their Highland dress was half-hidden by all the battle equipment: twin >cartridge pouches on the chest, balancing, under the criss-crossed webbing, >the neatly rolled greatcoat, and the water-bottle; Lee Metford rifle; >bulging >haversack, a hundred extra rounds, field dressings and the rest." > >But "despite those attempts to camouflage themselves with khaki and >cow-dung, the Highlanders were natural targets. Their dark green kilts >stood out against the grey-brown veld; and the bulls-eye, so to speak, was >the place where the black and white sporran hung below the Highlander's >belt." (ouch!) > >Later at the Orange River four of the six casualties of a reconnaissance >patrol were officers (Ch 16). "Those gleaming insignia, the stars and >buttons and buckles of the professional soldier, were all very well in the >drawing-room. In the sunshine of the veldt they blazed like a heliograph." >Buller told Methuen to follow Symond's example in Natal and make the >officers dress like the men. > >Barbara Tuchman in "August 1914" (Ch 3 page 47) mentions that while the >British had adopted khaki and the Germans were about to change from >Prussian Blue to field-grey the French were still wearing blue coats with >red >kepi and trousers despite Messimy's attempt after seeing the Balkan front in >1912 to change uniforms to a dull colour: grey-blue or grey-green. > >Yours, John Wilson (Wellington, New Zealand) > > >> So when did the practice of painting black -----badges, buttons, and all >> 'brass'fittings - >> >> --when in battle conditions start , please, I presume to cut the >> reflection from snipers sites ? >> >> My husband says that when he did National Service in the 50's-- they >> used WW11 uniforms, which all had black painted brass buttons..... >> >> June Adderley > > >==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== >Have you used Tree Tops? >The Free FAMILY TREE & WE'LL MEET AGAIN SERVICE >http://freespace.virgin.net/tree.tops > >============================== >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 >

Dull Khaki Uniforms without decorations: Thomas Pakenham in "The Boer War" (Ch 12) mentions the Gordon Highlanders at Ladysmith camp before the battle of Elandslaagte, 21 October 1899. They had just arrived from India and were preparing to meet the Boer on the veld: "There were kilts to be patched and mended, khaki covers to be sewn over the hairy black and white sporrans, and the usual mixture of brown paint and cow-dung to be painted over the white webbing ..... their Highland dress was half-hidden by all the battle equipment: twin cartridge pouches on the chest, balancing, under the criss-crossed webbing, the neatly rolled greatcoat, and the water-bottle; Lee Metford rifle; bulging haversack, a hundred extra rounds, field dressings and the rest." But "despite those attempts to camouflage themselves with khaki and cow-dung, the Highlanders were natural targets. Their dark green kilts stood out against the grey-brown veld; and the bulls-eye, so to speak, was the place where the black and white sporran hung below the Highlander's belt." (ouch!) Later at the Orange River four of the six casualties of a reconnaissance patrol were officers (Ch 16). "Those gleaming insignia, the stars and buttons and buckles of the professional soldier, were all very well in the drawing-room. In the sunshine of the veldt they blazed like a heliograph." Buller told Methuen to follow Symond's example in Natal and make the officers dress like the men. Barbara Tuchman in "August 1914" (Ch 3 page 47) mentions that while the British had adopted khaki and the Germans were about to change from Prussian Blue to field-grey the French were still wearing blue coats with red kepi and trousers despite Messimy's attempt after seeing the Balkan front in 1912 to change uniforms to a dull colour: grey-blue or grey-green. Yours, John Wilson (Wellington, New Zealand) > So when did the practice of painting black -----badges, buttons, and all > 'brass'fittings - > > --when in battle conditions start , please, I presume to cut the > reflection from snipers sites ? > > My husband says that when he did National Service in the 50's-- they > used WW11 uniforms, which all had black painted brass buttons..... > > June Adderley

Black buttons and badges date back to around the Napoleonic era when the first "Rifle" companies were formed. Groups like Rogers' New York Rangers wore dark green and black uniforms to blend into the forests of North America. In open territory at close range with musket ranges of only a few hundred yards a man is visible to all in any light so shiny badges and red coats were a not problem. However in the forest camouflage helped. By the time of the Boer War with long range Lee-Enfield/Lee-Metford/Mauser rifles capable of killing at distances of well over a mile shiny badges and red coats were no longer appropriate. Any movement made you a target of a sniper. Since the Boers often fought in civilian clothes they also had an advantage in that they could hide their weapons and walk over to the nearest cow and claim they were simple farmers. Hence the often brutal retributions of the British towards captured prisoners. A problem that has continued in all modern warfare - who is the enemy and who is the civilian population? Nelson Denton --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 19-May-03

So when did the practice of painting black -----badges, buttons, and all 'brass'fittings - --when in battle conditions start , please, I presume to cut the reflection from snipers sites ? My husband says that when he did National Service in the 50's-- they used WW11 uniforms , which all had black painted brass buttons..... -----Original Message----- From: Bryan SLIM [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: 25 May 2003 03:23 To: [email protected] Subject: [BOER-WAR] Cap badge or helmets? It is my understanding that the troops wore 'helmets wrapped in khaki coloured' on their heads. I don't recall seeing a photo showing a badge on these. A badge flashing in the sun would have made an excellent target for the Boers. Bryan Slim >Forwarded message from non-subscriber.. . >Reply to me and I'll pass the word along. >Nelson Denton > >************************ > >Hi, I have what I assume is a Boer War cap badge possibly from a >cavalry regiment. It is in the shape of a horse shoe with 'So Africa >1900' inscribed on it.There is a crown with flags and a skull and >crossbones within the area of the horseshoe.Inscribed below the >crossbones ' 17' 'Or Glory' > >Do you know which regiment this came from? > >I would be grateful if you could help me to identify this . Many thanks > >Derry Nolan > >********************** > > >--- >Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. >Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). >Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 20-May-03 > > >==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== >Have you used Tree Tops? >The Free FAMILY TREE & WE'LL MEET AGAIN SERVICE >http://freespace.virgin.net/tree.tops > >============================== >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 ==== C J Genealogical Collections Web Page http://freespace.virgin.net/genealogical.collections ============================== 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 anyone tell me what the unit "Lifeguards Reg." means, and what it was in regards to the Boer War? Thanks Thelma

Hello List, I'm looking for info on my Gr Uncle John Crawshaw. The only info. I have is that he was born 1873 in Fockerby, Lincoln. He was a soldier in the Lifeguards Reg. and was killed in the Boer War in So.Africa. I would like to know where he was killed and where and when he was buried Thanks Thelma.

It is my understanding that the troops wore 'helmets wrapped in khaki coloured' on their heads. I don't recall seeing a photo showing a badge on these. A badge flashing in the sun would have made an excellent target for the Boers. Bryan Slim >Forwarded message from non-subscriber.. . >Reply to me and I'll pass the word along. >Nelson Denton > >************************ > >Hi, I have what I assume is a Boer War cap badge possibly from a cavalry >regiment. It is in the shape of a horse shoe with 'So Africa 1900' inscribed >on it.There is a crown with flags and a skull and crossbones within the area >of the horseshoe.Inscribed below the crossbones ' 17' 'Or Glory' > >Do you know which regiment this came from? > >I would be grateful if you could help me to identify this . Many thanks > >Derry Nolan > >********************** > > >--- >Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. >Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). >Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 20-May-03 > > >==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== >Have you used Tree Tops? >The Free FAMILY TREE & WE'LL MEET AGAIN SERVICE >http://freespace.virgin.net/tree.tops > >============================== >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

Official British Army Orders: Natal Army Orders, which are purple and cyclostyled, are in the War Diary section (WA-SA 1-8) of National Archives, Wellington New Zealand. There are also some white (British) Army Orders from Pretoria which were printed at the Government Printing Works, Pretoria. Not a full set though; they list some death sentences on Boers eg Lotter and Scheepers. There is also Pvt. P. Enright of the 2nd Battalion, Royal Munster Fusiliers who was found guilty by a General Court-Martial in Kroonstad on 7th April 1902 and hanged for the murder of Colour-Sergeant Sullivan in the same battalion. An entry in the Natal District Army Orders No 532 of 21 April 1902 also said "the sentence has been confirmed and carried out" but does not say when. Order No 548 of 21st May 1902 says that three 'followers of the army' Damster Linx, Abraham Damster, and John Monoarin were found guilty and hanged for rape and attempted rape by a General Court-Martial at Bloemfontein on 13-14 May 1902. Yours, John Wilson (Wellington, New Zealand)

P.S. from what I can tell this appears to be a 17th Lancers Cap badge. The Charge of the Light Brigade bunch. . . > Forwarded message from non-subscriber.. . > Reply to me and I'll pass the word along. > Nelson Denton > > ************************ > > Hi, I have what I assume is a Boer War cap badge possibly from a cavalry > regiment. It is in the shape of a horse shoe with 'So Africa 1900' inscribed > on it.There is a crown with flags and a skull and crossbones within the area > of the horseshoe.Inscribed below the crossbones ' 17' 'Or Glory' > > Do you know which regiment this came from? > > I would be grateful if you could help me to identify this . Many thanks > > Derry Nolan

Forwarded message from non-subscriber.. . Reply to me and I'll pass the word along. Nelson Denton ************************ Hi, I have what I assume is a Boer War cap badge possibly from a cavalry regiment. It is in the shape of a horse shoe with 'So Africa 1900' inscribed on it.There is a crown with flags and a skull and crossbones within the area of the horseshoe.Inscribed below the crossbones ' 17' 'Or Glory' Do you know which regiment this came from? I would be grateful if you could help me to identify this . Many thanks Derry Nolan ********************** --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 20-May-03

Hello Lynn, A battery was an operational unit within the Royal Artillery which itself was subdivided into three separate arms - Field, Horse and Garrison. A battery would typically consist of 6 guns and 100-120 officers and men. That may sound a lot of manpower but bear in mind that the artillery was horse drawn at that time so apart from gunners a battery would also have drivers, shoeing smiths, farriers, saddlers, collar makers and other specialist ranks. Woolwich was the artillery HQ in the UK. The clasps on his QSA reflect service in Buller's Ladysmith relief force but the 83rd Battery wasn't in this force. It was in Roberts's force on the northern front. This means that between his marriage and the Boer War he must have transferred to another battery. There were several Field batteries which qualified for the clasps you mention - 7, 14, 19, 61, 63, 64, 66, 73 & 78. He's not in the casualty list so your best bet is to get a researcher to check for his service and attestation papers in series WO 97 at the PRO although not all of these have survived. Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: Bryant and Lynn Wheeler <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 9:10 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR] Darlow in Royal Field Artillery > Hi, I'm trying to find out more about an Alfred Darlow that served in the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner from 1891 to 1902. His marriage certificate says he was part of the 83rd field battery in woolwich (?). He received medals for Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Battle of Belfast, Laing's NEK, Relief of Ladysmith and Orange Free State. Is the 83rd battery part of a regiment and if so, how would I find that out? Thanks for any response. Lynn

Hello Stephen, 2723 Sgt. W. Clark 10th Hussars was killed in action near Uniondale 19/8/1901 while attached to the 2nd Dragoons. He is buried at Uniondale Anglican Church and his grave is marked by a granite headstone. His name is also on the cemetery memorial. He was awarded the Queen's South Africa Medal (QSA) with clasps Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein & Belfast. This must be the medal you have as his death in 1901 means that he didn't qualify for the King's South Africa Medal (KSA). Regards, David ----- Original Message ----- From: stephen higgins <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Wednesday, May 21, 2003 7:15 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR] Sergeant Clark > I was recently given an old and battered KSA to 2723 SGT W CLARK 10th HUSSARS > > I have been told that there may be a chance that he has a connection with my family as the medal was found in a distant relations attic! > > I believe he was killed in action and subsequently I`m looking for verification on this. > > Any help would greatly be appreciated > > Regards > Stephen Higgins

I was recently given an old and battered KSA to 2723 SGT W CLARK 10th HUSSARS I have been told that there may be a chance that he has a connection with my family as the medal was found in a distant relations attic! I believe he was killed in action and subsequently I`m looking for verification on this. Any help would greatly be appreciated Regards Stephen Higgins

Hi, I'm trying to find out more about an Alfred Darlow that served in the Royal Field Artillery as a gunner from 1891 to 1902. His marriage certificate says he was part of the 83rd field battery in woolwich (?). He received medals for Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Battle of Belfast, Laing's NEK, Relief of Ladysmith and Orange Free State. Is the 83rd battery part of a regiment and if so, how would I find that out? Thanks for any response. Lynn

Message forwarded by Admin ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sharon Warr" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: 20 May 2003 10:27 Subject: {not a subscriber} Re: [BOER-WAR] SMITH lookup Hi Connie I found the following in the St John's, Wynberg registers - don't know whether there is a connection. Thomas William Alfred SMITH baptised 02 March 1904, born 15 February 1904 Father = Thomas William SMITH, Mother = Florence Maud Annie Gertrude Residence Wynberg Camp, Wynberg Occupation = Sergeant, North Fusiliers, 3/5 Sponsors James CRANSHAW, Charles William RICHARDSON, Mary Martha SAUNDERS Officiating Minister = Rev. Rice THOMAS Regards Sharon Warr Cape Town ----- Original Message ----- From: "Connie Hinckley" <[email protected]> To: <[email protected]> Sent: Sunday, May 18, 2003 11:26 PM Subject: [BOER-WAR] SMITH lookup > Could SKS please check the Boer War casualty lists for the name THOMAS > SMITH. He spent most of his life in the English Army - first with the 34th > Regiment, then after 1881 with the 4th Batallion of the West Yorkshire > Militia. Family lore has it that he was killed in the Boer War but I have > yet to find any proof. All leads would be appreciated. > > Connie Hinckley > > > ==== BOER-WAR Mailing List ==== > C J Genealogical Collections > Web Page http://freespace.virgin.net/genealogical.collections > > ============================== > 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 > > --- Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free. Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com). Version: 6.0.483 / Virus Database: 279 - Release Date: 19/05/03