Hi there I have been doing some research myself on the Boer War period and came across this site yesterday: http://www.angloboerwar.com/units%20imperial/rfa.htm The 85th was certainly still around in July, according to despatches... However, sailing to the Cape would have taken a few weeks, maybe between 2 to 4. On this site of the London Times shipping list the 85th was shipped out in 1900, so he obviously didn't go with them: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/heatherasplin/bwsl00.html There were obviously volunteers who did go out. From 1900: "INOCULATION AGAINST TYPHOID" "Arrangements are being made for Army medical officers to address personally all men of the Militia, Yeomanry, and Volunteers going to South Africa on the importance and advisability of submitting to inoculation against Typhoid fever before embarking." This is from the shipping list of 1901: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/heatherasplin/bwsl01.html "London Times 18/03/01 (Monday) p7a The Kildonan Castle left Southampton Saturday afternoon with 70 officers and 1,385 men. The following were listed: Volunteers from various Regts. - 29 officers and 1,103 men" Again this is too early for you This is 1902, mostly ships bringing people back http://hometown.aol.co.uk/heatherasplin/bwsl02.html Unless he went out himself privately? Did he get a medal at all? The ironic thing is that you are much more likely to find him on a list if he perished somewhere along the way. Sorry this probably doesn't help much Jo > > He could have come out later that year as a Special Service Volunteer and > joined up with the 85th Battery. IS THIS POSSIBLE?? > > If so, are there any documents or lists where they would have just such > people? Please let me know. In the census they have him as William > MILLETT. His actual name is William George Richard CLAY BUT HE COULD > HAVE BEEN KNOWN AS MILLETT. >