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Research in Other Countries => South Africa => Topic started by: elinga on Monday 10 March 25 10:26 GMT (UK)

Title: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Monday 10 March 25 10:26 GMT (UK)

is there any way I could find out if my great uncles enlisted to help the war effort in South Africa ?
they were both adults and moved to SA in the early 1900s from Scotland !
regards
tia
Elinga

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: tonepad on Monday 10 March 25 12:44 GMT (UK)

See - south-africa-roll-of-honour-1914-1918 if they died in service

https://www.findmypast.co.uk/discover/military-armed-forces-and-conflict/first-world-war/south-africa-roll-of-honour-1914-1918


Tony

Title: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Monday 10 March 25 12:51 GMT (UK)

thank you Tony, but neither of them died until 1950s
regards

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: tonepad on Monday 10 March 25 16:03 GMT (UK)

On Ancestry, enter South African under Regiment or Corps with their names in:

All UK, British Army World War I Medal Rolls Index Cards, 1914-1920


It is also possible that the men served in the British Army/Navy.


Tony

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: JustinL on Monday 10 March 25 19:23 GMT (UK)

I'm not sure that your method, Tony, is foolproof.

My British great-uncle, Roland Levy, served in a battery of the South African Heavy Artillery, which became the 71st Siege Battery RGA. I have his full service record, but I couldn't find a medal card for him.

Elinga - it must be 15 years since I acquired Roland's records. I'll check my notes to establish how I did it. I seem to recall that I had to contact the military archive in SA. I should also mention that I have photos of him in uniform and my late father knew that he had been an artillery officer.

Justin

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Monday 10 March 25 20:08 GMT (UK)

thank you JustinL

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Monday 10 March 25 20:08 GMT (UK)

thank you Tony did try your suggestion but with no luck :-(

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: pampoen on Tuesday 11 March 25 09:43 GMT (UK)

Contact Dewald Nel a researcher to obtain his war records. He charges a nominal fee but is really worth it. He goes to the archives, scans the docs and sends you a email. I have sent you a PM with his contact details.

Title: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Tuesday 11 March 25 12:57 GMT (UK)

thank you pampoen !

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: JustinL on Tuesday 11 March 25 13:09 GMT (UK)

Pampoen's recommendation is probably the best route.

Back in 2006, I was helped by a local WW1 enthusiast who went to various SANDF (South African National Defence Force) archives to copy records for me. Without his help, I may never have obtained the wealth of information that I now have.

The greatwarforum.org is an excellent source of information, and you will find forum members who can help you out.

Justin

Title: Re: ww1 enlistments in South Africa
Post by: elinga on Tuesday 11 March 25 13:18 GMT (UK)

thank you again JustinL I will try later !