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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Wiltshire => Topic started by: Ians1900 on Tuesday 12 October 10 19:18 BST (UK)

Title: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Tuesday 12 October 10 19:18 BST (UK)
If anyone reading this is descended from a Wiltshire born man who served in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War, I would like to hear from you.

I am researching for and writing a book about the 2nd Battalion Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War and would welcome any new information.  Perhaps you know a story that has been told to your family?  Perhaps you have a photograph?  Perhaps I can provide missing pieces of your own family puzzle, as I know a great deal about the Regiment?

Thank you

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Local Studies, Swindon Libraries on Saturday 16 October 10 13:22 BST (UK)
Hi Ian,

We would be very interested in you book when it is published - please don't forget to let us know when it is available.
These photos from our gallery might be of interest:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/swindonlocal/4594968482/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/swindonlocal/3697897820/
Another from this set recently came up on eBay.


Gallery link: www.flickr.com/swindonlocal (http://www.flickr.com/swindonlocal)

We guess you know about the Boer memorial in Radnor Street Cemetery, Swindon?

Best wishes,
Swindon Collection
Central Library
www.swindon.gov.uk/swindoncollection (http://www.swindon.gov.uk/swindoncollection)
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Sunday 17 October 10 13:24 BST (UK)
Hello,

Thank you for you reply.  I hadn't seen the first image and I haven't seen the War Memorial either.  I don't live in Wilsthire and have not looked at memorials except the one in Salisbury Cathedral when I visited the Wardrobe Museum.  Can you possibly tell me what the memorial says?

Of possible interest to you:
The Devizes and Wiltshire Gazette published an article on February 22 1900 about the disaster at Rensburg, Cape Colony, when D and G Companies of the Wiltshire Regiment were surrounded and had many killed, wounded and taken prisoner, my Great Grandfather was amongst the prisoners, who were held at Watervaal in the Transvaal.

The newspaper article published the names of a few casualties one being: 5308 Private F.J. Butler who lived at 3, Villet Street, Swindon.  If you or anyone knows anything about this man or his family, I should like to know.

I am hoping to finish writing my book by the end of the year and hope to have it published soon after.  During the many years I have spent conducting research, I have discovered a lot of information about the Regiment and can possibly answer many questions of a Boer War nature, especially regarding the Wiltshire Regiment.

Regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Maiwand on Thursday 21 October 10 11:06 BST (UK)
Ian

I,m not sure if we have met or not, but I am a volunteer at the Wardrobe as a volunteer. I mainly concentrate on images which eventually go on the Museum Website (Soon to be upgraded). I have over the past 18 months placed into the system images from the Boer War that relate to the Regiment. In the archives are two scrap books that contain many newspaper clippings from the time, loads of lists and importantly copies of letters from soldiers serving which the relatives released to the press.  If you haven't seen these, I would advise you to do so if you are aming at a book.

Hope that Helps
Cheers

MAC
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Thursday 21 October 10 15:19 BST (UK)
Hi Mac,

Yes we have met, many years ago now.  My book is almost finished, but I did not know about the letters at the Wardrobe; I thought I had seen everything, but obviously not.  I shall have to pay you another visit.

Kind regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: agc1875 on Wednesday 02 November 11 19:04 GMT (UK)
Hello,

I have been passed a discharge paper and a medal for my great grandfather who was enlisted on 10/5/1897 and dicsharged on 9/5/02 from the Wilts Rgt. serving in South Africa and St. Helena. Where do you suggest I find out more? His medal has bars on it for Wiittenbergen, Transvaal and Cape Colony. I don't know anything else about him.

Thanks,

Andy
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Friday 04 November 11 22:37 GMT (UK)
Give me his details and I will see if I can help you.

Regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: agc1875 on Saturday 05 November 11 09:50 GMT (UK)
Give me his details and I will see if I can help you.

Regards

Ian
Hello,

I have been passed a discharge paper and a medal for my great grandfather who was enlisted on 10/5/1897 and dicsharged on 9/5/02 from the Wilts Rgt. serving in South Africa and St. Helena. Where do you suggest I find out more? His medal has bars on it for Wiittenbergen, Transvaal and Cape Colony. I don't know anything else about him.

Thanks,

Andy
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: agc1875 on Saturday 05 November 11 09:56 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian and thanks for your reply.

 His name is John ASHER and he must have been born 1879 or 1880 as he was shown as 29 1/5 on 9 5 1902. He seems to have been discharged from 3rd Bttn. Wiltshires in Devizes as a private with his civvy occupation listed as 'groom'. The discharge letter is addressed to Thruxton near Andover but I can't say if this is the original envelope.

Thanks for you help and interest.

Andy.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Saturday 05 November 11 10:54 GMT (UK)
Hello Andy,

I will try and have a look through the wealth of documents and information I have today.  I'm sure I will be able to tell you about his time in South Africa and St.Helena.

Briefly though; the 3rd Battalion was a Militia Battalion, rather like the Territorial Army today.  Most of the 3rd spent their time in Deadwood Camp, St.Helena, guarding Boer Prisoners of war, but some ended up in South Africa for varying periods of time.  At the time of the Boer War, the 1st Battalion were in India.  The 2nd were below strength and waited in Aldershot until men were transferred from other Regiments and the different classes of reservists were called up.  The 2nd sailed for South Africa in December 1899.  Some young men of the 3rd (Possibly ASHER), volunteered to go with the 2nd, others were sent there as  much needed reinforcements throughout the war.  The Army remained mindful that these men were Militia men and once practicable, moved them to St.Helena to rejoin their regiment.  Only the men of the 3rd Battalion who served in South Africa received any clasps on their medals.  I will be able to confirm his medal entitlement for you.


Watch this space, you may be surprised what information I can give you.



Regards

Ian



Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Monday 07 November 11 09:40 GMT (UK)
Andy,

I have a lot of information for you, too much to post here.  I have sent you a personal message.

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: kanga22 on Sunday 13 November 11 02:28 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian
Both my Great Grandfather (Abraham Bull) & Great Uncle served in Wiltshire Regiment. I have 2 Boer War medals which were my Great Uncles  (Frank Bull), both were from Broughton Gifford in Wiltshire, on the medal it states 2nd Regiment & No. 5360. I was also told that my great grandfather served in Boer War but unsure of this. Would love to know if you have any information  on them and about their Regiment. Just wondering also if you  have finished your book yet, and if so has it been published?
Kind regards
Karen
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Tuesday 15 November 11 22:21 GMT (UK)
Hi Karen,

I will have a look for you, but do visit the website of The Rifles Regimental Museum situated in The Wardrobe, Salisbury.  Also, my book is indeed nearly finished; thank you for asking.

Give me a couple of days and I'll get back to you.

Regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: kanga22 on Wednesday 16 November 11 06:14 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian
Thankyou for your reply & your time. Will head to the website now to take a look & see what I can find out. I look forward to your reply.

Many thanks

Karen
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Robtawn on Thursday 17 November 11 22:45 GMT (UK)
Hi there my great grandfather served in the boer war 2nd Wiltshire regiment sergeant vockins I would love to find out some information about him.  . Any information would be great fully appreciated
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Robtawn on Thursday 17 November 11 22:54 GMT (UK)
Hi there my great grandfather served in the boer war 2nd Wiltshire regiment sergeant vockins I would love to find out some information about him.   Any information would be great fully appreciated
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: youngtug on Thursday 17 November 11 22:54 GMT (UK)
You need to remove your email address, its not advisable to post it here. If you make one more post you can send and receive personal messages [PMs]
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Robtawn on Thursday 17 November 11 23:34 GMT (UK)
Thanks for the advice. Do you have any information on the 2nd Wiltshire regiment or sergeant vockins. Any help is great fully appreciated.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: youngtug on Thursday 17 November 11 23:51 GMT (UK)
I am afraid I don't but when Ians1900 comes back online I am sure he will help you if he can.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Thursday 24 November 11 08:23 GMT (UK)
Hi,

Personal messages sent to all with requests for information.

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Monday 28 November 11 11:28 GMT (UK)
Karen and Rob,

I have finished working on your requests; please see your personal messages.

I'm glad I could help.

Kind regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: kjmuk on Saturday 03 December 11 21:23 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian

I should be grateful if you are able to find the time to give me any information on Corp H J Mason of the 3rd reg.

Many thanks

Kevin
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Saturday 03 December 11 23:14 GMT (UK)
Hi Kevin,

I would be delighted to help if I can.  Please allow me a few days though, I have a busy week ahead.

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Maiwand on Monday 05 December 11 08:59 GMT (UK)
Ian

Greetings.....

How are you getting on with the book ?. Just as an after thought have you covered the Court Martial of 'Breaker' Morant of the Bushveldt Carabineers. He was executed. Two officers from the Wilts Regt were on the board and he was prosecuted by Major BOLTON of the Wilts Regt. There is a move in Australia to get him pardoned. An interesting twist to the Regiments time during the Boer War.

Cheers

Maiwand

Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Monday 05 December 11 17:48 GMT (UK)
Hello again,

Well, once again I thought that the book was very nearly finished, a situation I'm sure you have found with your books, and yet again I have found something else.  I am waiting on receiving a copy of a diary which sounds interesting and I have not forgotten that I keep trying to meet you at the museum. I was only thinking the other day that I really need to sort that out with you, but this year has been incredibly busy.  I am thinking of approaching the same publisher that you use.  Pen and Sword expressed an interest a while ago, but if my work is acceptable, then I think it would fit in nicely with yours.

I have covered Breaker Morant, it is a subject I have always found very interesting, but a whole book could be written about it, simply from the Wiltshire viewpoint.  Incidentally 'Scapegoats of the Empire' by George Witton is an interesting read.

As you will see from this post, I have been helping a few people where I can and pointing them in the museum's direction, so I really hope that you receive more enquiries.

There must come a point when you think 'That's enough!' and decide to publish and I think that time is near; I seem to have covered everything.

Kind regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: bigles on Saturday 31 March 12 14:55 BST (UK)
Dear Ian, My great grandfather, Edward May served in the 2nd Boer War. From my research he was a private and is buried in Neston church. Corsham having died from Spanish flu in 1919. Any information or photographs would be appreciated. With kind regards, Les Brown
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: joehudd on Sunday 01 April 12 19:10 BST (UK)
Hi ian
i have just found your post here. i have 1 ancestor i know of that was in the boer war. Henry Hudd  was in the Boer War which began in 1902. He was enlisted as a private in the Wiltshire Imperial Yeomanry in the 1st Battalion, 1st or 2nd company, arriving in South Africa on the 20th of march 1900. He received the Queen’s South Africa medal for his service.
I dont know much more on my gt gt grandfather.
If you know of anymore details please let me know. You are welcome to use this information if you wish
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Friday 20 April 12 17:55 BST (UK)
Les and Joe,

Unfortunately your posts came at a time when I was very busy at work, so my apologies for not replying. 

Les, I will have a look and see what I can find out for you.  Did your Edward May serve in the Wiltshire Regiment and do you have his service number?

Joe, my particular area of expertise is the Wiltshire Regiment (Infantry) but I will have a look and see what I can find for you too.  I have many Reference Books to look through.  Do you have Henry Hudd's service number?

Regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: joehudd on Friday 20 April 12 19:04 BST (UK)
HUDD, Henry Robert
Soldier number:  11
Unit:  1 Battalion Imperial Yeomanry
Notes:  Staff.
The Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal Clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Saturday 21 April 12 19:48 BST (UK)
Joe,

As I said, the Yeomanry is not my particular area of interest, but I offer this:

No 11 Pte Henry Robert Hudd would have enlisted at Trwobridge in late 1899 and on 28 Feb 1900, he boarded the hired transport Cymric in Liverpool bound for Capetown, arriving there 20 March 1900.

SS Cyrmric was a White Star Line vessel (12,646 tons, 604 ft. length, 64 ft. beam, 11,097 H P average 14 knots) image here: http://www.titanic-whitestarships.com/Cymric.htm

The ship has its own interesting history, being sunk by a German U Boat in WW1.

For a well written history of the Wiltshire Yeomanry in South Africa visit: http://samilitaryhistory.org/vol021db.html

For a general history visit:  http://www.royalwiltshireyeomanry.co.uk/history.php

Henry Hudd served with the Regiment's Staff and may have been a clerk or a servant / steward / batman.  I have checked the Casualty Roll and can confirm that he was neither wounded or taken prisoner during his time in South Africa.

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: DizzyDee on Thursday 12 July 12 20:46 BST (UK)
Hi Ian
I have come across your posts while looking for infor regarding the Boer War & the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment. I have a distant twig on my family tree - Walter Herbert Waite who was in South Africa from 1899-1903 & I wondered if you had any information on him.
Many Thanks

Deirdre
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: gortonboy on Thursday 12 July 12 22:25 BST (UK)
  number 2114....served 1887 -1909....served in India 9 years,,,at home and in South Africa.

recieved  Queens South Africa medal with clasps for  Cape colony,Transvaal and Orange free state. Long service and good conduct Medal.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: rhacousins on Monday 27 August 12 12:45 BST (UK)
Hi Ian

I have just stripped an old chest we have had in the family for years and discovered an inscription on it referring to Sgt Herbert William Coale of the second Wiltshire Regiment. Some preliminary research shows that he was captured at the battle of Rensburg during the Boer War. I think he may have ended up as a Chelsea Pensioner and probably didn't have a family. If you have any information about him or know anyone interested in him I should love to hear from you.

I am not sur if he was connected to our family in any way but as my grandfather was an auctioneer the chest may have come to us via the sale room.
Richard
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: gortonboy on Monday 27 August 12 18:40 BST (UK)
hi,,he did have a wife and children,,his service record also survives. ;)
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: gortonboy on Monday 27 August 12 21:21 BST (UK)
Herbert enlisted 1895 number 4340,,,served 12 years  1895-1907
recieved QSA medal with clasps for Cape Colony,Transvaal,Orange Free State,,,Kings medal with clasps 1901,1902.
He married Eva Amelia Boucher in 1907 in Somerset.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: rhacousins on Wednesday 29 August 12 08:54 BST (UK)
Thanks Gortonboy. Those are useful clues to follow up.

Richard
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: gortonboy on Wednesday 29 August 12 08:59 BST (UK)
Just out of curiosity,,what exactly does the inscription say?  ;)
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: scottie79 on Thursday 18 October 12 21:38 BST (UK)
Am searching for a Henry James Smart b.c.1867 in Marden, Wiltshire.  He is listed in the 1911 census as being and Army Pensioner (as well as a Commercial Clerk for a dairy company) and living in Devizes although in 1881 as a 14-yr old he is listed as a labourer.  I understand from an old family tree that he was known as Jim so he may possibly have been James Henry rather than Henry James??  I also believe he was married to Gertrude (surname unknown).

I have no idea where he served but I have found a Private H J Smart serving in the 2nd Battalion of the Wiltshire Regiment in South Africa and listed for clasps for Wittenbergen, Cape Colony & Transvaal.  His regimental number is 6619.  The medal entitlement document I found also states in the remarks column "Special Services Company to England 10/04/1901".

I would love to find out if the above army records are his and, if so, how to find out more about what he did in South Africa and why he might have decided to join up.

Hoping someone can help!  Thanks.
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: [Ray] on Saturday 20 October 12 20:40 BST (UK)
Hi

If you reread 1911 then you will see where the 2 eldest children were born.
He probably served there?

1911 also confirms your belief about Gertrude.

Ray
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: electrosignal on Friday 20 December 13 23:02 GMT (UK)
I am researching 2576 Henry Hale (my great great grandfather) he joined 2nd batt wilts regt 06/07/1889 and served in india, burma and south Africa earning QSA cape colony clasp and KSA with bar and clasps 1901-1902. I believe he completed 21 years service and received a chelsea pension as an out pensioner I assume. Would really like any photographs, accounts or diaries, newspaper articles etc that might give me any more info on him. Also would like to know what company he was in and if he was involved in the rensburg disaster orange river?
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Tuesday 24 December 13 13:15 GMT (UK)
2576 Pre Henry Hale actually received three clasps to his Queen's South Africa Medal: Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal.

Unfortunately he is not mentioned by name in any reference material and therefore, so far cannot identify his Company.  I can however confirm that he was not a member of D or G Companies involved in the Rensburg disaster.

My book covers the Regiments activities in South Africa; I hope to publish next year.

regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: rick49 on Wednesday 11 February 15 00:21 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian.
Hoping you are able to help with info on my G.Grandfather James Pratten (b. abt 1869) from Bradford on Avon, who served with the 2nd Wiltshire Regiment. A Wiltshire times newspaper article in April 1944 relating to their Golden wedding anniversary. stated he was a member of the Regular Army firstly serving in India then at the outbreak of Boer War  was sent to Africa serving under General Clements.
I notice that you have been writing a book & hope that it is now on the shelves.

Regards
Rick
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Wednesday 11 February 15 09:21 GMT (UK)
Rick,

Unfortunately I will have to wait to have my book published,  as I happened to finish it just as the literary world focused on the centenary of WW1.

Anyway,  I will have a look at my reference material and see what I can tell you, just give me a few days please.

It sounds like his service mirrored that of my own Great Grandfather's,  so I know I should be able to tell you quite a bit.

Please private message me your email address.

Regards

Ian
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: sarah on Wednesday 11 February 15 10:06 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian,

New users are unable to send private messages until they have made at least 2 posts.

Hi Rick,

Welcome to RootsChat, you clicked on the "report to moderator button" and your message came through to me  ;) To reply to this message just click on the blue reply button on the right.

Regards

Sarah :)
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Dannemois on Saturday 30 December 17 09:53 GMT (UK)
Hello Ian
I don't know if this topic is still live but I post in case.  I am interested in learning more on a William Fear born c.1871, Warminster, Wiltshire and I wondered if you could help.     I found the following William Fear, 3rd Militia Battalion, Wiltshire Regiment, 1889-01-25 on the website http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk.  (the name, age and place of birth fits) I would appreciate any help locating information.
Kind Regards D:
Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Ians1900 on Friday 19 January 18 23:44 GMT (UK)
Hi,

I have a problem with my computer at the moment and cannot access my records, but the 3rd Battalion as a whole spent the Boer War guarding POWs on the island of St Helena.

However, if you have this man's medals and there are any clasps attached, then he would have served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa, either as a volunteer or by order.

I'll let you know when I get my computer fixed.

If I can find him in a database I have I'll be able to tell you more.

Ian

Title: Re: Men of Wiltshire serving in the Wiltshire Regiment during the Boer War
Post by: Dannemois on Saturday 20 January 18 10:51 GMT (UK)
Hi Ian
Thank you for your message.  I look forward to further details.

Kind Regards
Roy