Hi John, Had really good and helpful responses to this just like this one (thanks to all). I have since found out that he might have possibly been in the 2nd Battalion Dorsetshire who were in Portsmouth in 1881 and Plymouth in 1891. Given that Pompey is 20 miles away from his place of birth and residence (Southampton), might explain as you say question 6. I don't know what the difference is between the Dorset Regiment or the Dorsetshire Regiment or if it is one and the same but I guess the museum might be able to help on this? I gather that the Dorsetshire became the Dorsetshire & Devonshire in the 1900s and now may be changed due to military reforms which is a shame. You mention the 'Gazette' which I am not familiar with; is this some kind of publication and would I be able to order a copy? Or do I need to visit the museum? Thanks Jamie Southampton -----Original Message----- From: John Love [mailto:john@parkhousemews.co.uk] Sent: 03 October 2005 10:26 To: 'Nic & Jamie'; BOER-WAR-L@rootsweb.com Subject: RE: Regiments Involved In the 2nd Boer War Hi Jamie Given you have a positive note that he was in the Dorsets in 1891, my suggestion is that you start your research at The Keep Military Museum at Dorchester. It covers the county regiments of Devon and Dorset i.e. (1st and 4th Bns Devonshire and Dorset, Devonshire Regiment, Dorset Regiment, Queen's Own Dorset Yeomanry, Royal Devon Yeomanry, The Dorset Yeomanry, 94th Field Regiment RA plus the Militia and Volunteers of the counties of Devon and Dorset). If you track him to his battalion, the gazette will probably give you the movements and the reason for being in Plymouth. It may also explicitly name him with regard to being put on reserve, for example. If you can discover his number, it will be relatively easy to get his service record from Kew. Your Q6 is probably easier to explain if you know where in HAM he came from. If it was West Hampshire, then probably the Dorset Regiment was recruiting in his nearest town. John LOVE, near Old Sarum -----Original Message----- From: Nic & Jamie [mailto:jambo@redandwhitearmy.wanadoo.co.uk] Sent: 01 October 2005 21:43 To: BOER-WAR-L@rootsweb.com Subject: Regiments Involved In the 2nd Boer War Hi List, I think my forebear was in the 2nd Boer War but I don't know enough about which regiments were involved. I know that the PRO at Kew might have the answers but before I take this step, I wonder if anyone can give me a little bit background on his specific regiment and others that were definitely involved so I can make the most of any future visit. Here is what I know; 1891 Census has him as a Private based at the Citadel, St Andrews, Plymouth. It is stone fort built by Charles II in 1600. It says he is from the Dorset Regiment along with many others. <snip>