We really need to find when Neil’s casualty enlisted. Regimental number 1898 is quite low, and would suggest the 1880s. But you need a RIR expert to confirm this. Unfortunately you cannot do regiment searches on Findmypast new army records service. Someone may know on the British Medal Forum. You could also try and find men on the Boer War medal roll with similar numbers then try and find their enlistment date on FindMyPast.
You also really need to obtain the birth certificate of Annie. The 1st Battalion of the RIR moved from Fermoy (Co Cork) to Newry in June 1893. But it possible she stayed in Fermoy until Annie was born. You should first look for it in the regimental BMDs on sites such as FindMyPast. They give the regiment in the index (either 83rd or 86th) and you can also order it from the UK GRO online. Not all home births are recorded, so you can then try the Irish GRO service, which requires you to print off the application form and send your credit card details. There is a chance one or other of the birth certificates will have his regimental number.
We have to be concerned with the number of older children born in Belfast. Although that is where the depot was unless he had a particular skill he should have been with one or other of the battalions. Having children in or around the depot could suggest he was transferred to the army reserve after 7 years, to complete his enlistment. And Reservists tended not to record the fact on BMDs. So ordering these certificates may well not be of value. He would have been recalled to the depot in 1899, and it so happens that the 2nd Battalion were in Belfast in 1899, so that battalion would have a high percentage of reservists when it sailed for South Africa.
PS…If you have Marcella’s birth certificate what does his say about her father?
Ken
