Genealogy Chat

If my memory serves me well and if I retained anything from the 1950's history lessons I received,there was a conflict going on between about 1899 and 1902 called the South African War (The Boer War) Can anyone tell me where to look for census information that would include those fighting overseas in 1901? Roger

Would you believe it? There were were two Boer Wars!!! And guess what....the first covered the 1881 census. I've just been looking at Google and instead of finding good info I've discovered another black hole!!! Roger

I have the same problem, I found my great great granfather and his family missing on the 1881 census. and found they had two children in 1876 and 1881 in India. I think he was in the army and people say that the boer war was in India I am very confused how many Boer wars was there? Debbie

Boer had nothing to do with India!! 1st BW (1880-1) began with revolt of the Boer settlers (S Africans of Dutch descent) in Transvaal against Brit rule & ended after Brit defeat @ Majuba Hill. 2nd BW (1899-1902) caused by Boer refusal to grant equal rights to recent Brit immigrants. Brit eventually won by large no of troops and employment of blockhouses, barbed wire & concentration camps. Hope that helps!

John Thanks for that its just that everybody I have asked what war was in India they have all said the Boer War. So perhaps he wasnt in the Army out there. Do you know of any wars in India at that time. Debbie

Indian Mutinity was late 1850s.

John Thanks for that but I dont think it could have been the Indian Mutiny as it was 1857 which was a bit early. Debbie

Why don't you start a different thread asking about that one. It will get lost here. Sorry I can't help anymore, I did my O level history quite a while ago!!

John thankyou for trying. and I just wish I had listened in History Lessons I used to hate them so much, And sorry Roger for changing the subject, and I cant help on your problem either. Debbie

Hello, This may help some of your queries. go to links ,then to the PRO website click on start search, scroll down the page and click on leaflets in red. Then click onto 'W' all the info on soldiers in the wars and Army leaflets will come up. Hope it helps. Shirley

Another website about wars including the Boer war is http://www(.)regiments(.)org/milhist/wars/wars(.)htm Shirley

I have a similar problem - I believe my grandfather was involved in the Boar War as I cannot find him on the 1901 census, but can on the 1881 and on the 1891 - I have tried in vain to find a site for the serving military in 1901 to no avail. I read somewhere that only troops in the UK or Ireland were recorded as it would have been impossible for a census to be taken elsewhere, but that the War Department should have known where individuals were on census night and this will be recorded on the War Records - I think that means a trip to Kew!! I have received some amazing info. from a gentleman called David Stevens who is an expert on things military - e-mail me for his address if you think it could help. Jacqui

Why not check with PRO at Kew his service record.

John from Alnwick I have just gone back a few pages on the members board and noticed what you said about someone thought that Boer war was in India, it looked like you were making out I was stupid. well to tell you the truth I am not stupid I just do not know much about wars I have never been interested in fighting. and never will be. I now have learned that the Boers wasnt in India. so I have learned something new. Debbie

There is a bloke advertising in Fam. Hist. Monthly etc under 'The Anglo-Boer War 11th oct 1899-31may 1902' Send him an e-mail on robert(.)base(at sign)virgin(.)net Maz. XX

Hi Debra - if you're stupid - then so am I. I didn't realise that the Boar War was not the Zulu War (not until my husband was watching the old ZULU video on Saturday night, and he kindly informed me - I couldn't understand why the Boars were on our side!!!) Reminds me of that old Michael Caine impression "Don't throw those blood spears at me!" (in cockney acent). Keep looking - even if we don't find our ancestors we will be a mind of quite useless information! love Jacqui

I have continued to check out the Boer war and have not got much further. However a comment about soldiers being in India too has got me itching to get my virtual coat and hat on and have a quick look there. By the way the Australians were involved in the Boar Wars and have lists of soldiers who took part. I meant to write down the web Address but had a senior moment. Thanks for the leads, I will follow them up. Roger

A good book on the Boer War is "The Boer War" by Thomas Pakenham. The index has a fair number of names of soldiers who took part. You never know they might be mentioned. If you let me have a few names I will check. Gary Roger could the web site have been: www(.)awm(.)gov(.)au/atwar/boer.htm

Just to re-cap - the South African (Boer War) was 1899 to 1902. However there was an army in India maintained by the East India Company until 1859.

My Gt Gt Gt Grandfather was awarded the DCM medal in the Boer War 1901 he was a colour sgt with the North Staffords but i don't know where to look to find out what he did to receive such a medal :-) any hadvice gratfully received :-D