The Boer War

[kanburi]

I believe my great grandfather may have been in the Boer War.  Where would I access his army record, and can this be accessed on line.

Best wishes, Pat

[neil1821]

Can you give us a bit more Pat?
- his name
- age/date of birth
- where was he from?
- did he survive the war?
- any idea, any clue at all, to his regiment?

I'd start by checking pension records.
http://www.findmypast.co.uk/chelsea-pensioners-service-records-collection-search-start.action

[kanburi]

Hi Neil

Thanks for your help.  I do not know the regiment my great grandfather was in but I do know the following:
name:   Henry Knight
dob:      12th September 1878
born:     Romford, Essex
Yes he did survive the war

I have a vague recollection as a child that my grandmother said he was in the cavalry.  My grandmother said he was in the Boer War and his name is missing from the 1901 census which could substantiate this.

Best wishes, Pat

[neil1821]

I have a vague recollection as a child that my grandmother said he was in the cavalry.

There were 7 H.Knight's in the regular cavalry in the Boer War. One died in 1900 so 6 possibles assuming your grandmother was right.

2966 Private, 14th Hussars
3651 Private, 18th Hussars
4834 Private, 18th Hussars
4748 Private, 19th Hussars
2886 Private, 8th Hussars
3099 Private, 9th Lancers

Something to work with.....

[leanora]

this site about   the Hussars may interest you

http://www.hussards-photos.com/UK_home.htm#Knot

[km1971]

If he was in the Boer War Findmypast will not be publishing his record until September. They started by saying 'by 2011'' then 'June 2010', then 'July 2010' now it's 'September 2010', so don't be surprised if it changes again.

Ken

[kanburi]

Thanks for your help.  What a very smart uniform.  I wonder whether the Boer War records can be accessed at TNA or the Imperial War Museum.  Any suggestions as to other sources apart from Findmypast.  Best wishes, Pat