Boer War - Gold Campaign Ring

[Hoochie]

A recent visit to Ladysmith in SA has reignited my determination to trace my Great Grandfather's part in the Boer War. I don't have much to go on at present other than the surname Beasley, the fact he was born and lived in Berkshire and the possibility that he served with the Royal Berkshire Rifles. My late Grandfather left me what I believe to be his father's gold campaign ring 'alledgedly' presented by Queen Victoria - it has the following inscription engraved on the inside, "With Windsor's thanks S.Africa 1901".

Any advice on how to begin the search would be much appreciated - with thanks.

[neil1821]

Hi Hoochie, and Welcome to Rootschat!!

I think you'd benefit in the first instance by gathering a bit more basic information about him, ie his full name, date of birth, place of birth. Could be there are several men called Beasley in the Berkshires, and you need a bit more.

Also, did he survive the war? Do you have any later references to him?
If he was indeed in the Royal Berkshire Regiment in the Boer War, it would have been the 2nd Battalion (1st Bn wasn't in South Africa).

I'm interested to hear about the ring. Not come across one before. Presumably he had some connection to the town of Windsor?

Neil

[Hoochie]

Neil,

Thanks for your message - I will indeed be trying to gather some of the basics about my Great Grandfather via surviving family members although this may take some time; will keep you posted.

The rumoured connection with the town of Windsor is that my Great Grandfather was born & bred there and as such Queen Victoria presented the ring to the men of Windsor who served in the campaign - this has yet to be confirmed. With thanks.

[casalguidi]

Hi Hoochie

I have found the following:

Thursday 13 June 1901

The Mayor of Windsor presided, last night, at a dinner in the guildhall in honour of Major EWEN and the service section of the Windsor Volunteers and Yeomanry who have just returned from South Africa ..................... During the evening the mayor presented each of those who had served at the front with a gold signet ring engraved with the borough arms and inscribed "With Windsor's Thanks South Africa 1901" .............................. . (The Times)

There is also an article (12 Jun 1901) which mentions the return (after 15 months) of the active service section of the 1st V(olunteer) B(attalion) Royal Berkshire Regiment at Windsor accompanied by Major EWEN.  They were met at the Great Western Railway Station by the mayor etc. and marched to the guildhall for refreshments and a service at the church before being dismissed to return to their families.

Also found mention of the queen due to inspect the service company of the Berkshire Volunteers under Major EWEN at Windsor Castle on Wednesday 28 Feb 1900 - they being due to go to South Africa.

I can't be certain that there was only the one "regiment" that received this honour so I would suggest contacting the local studies department at Windsor to see if they have any lists or any other information relating to the presentation and/or recipients of the rings or local newspaper report(s) which might give more information

 http://www.rbwm.gov.uk/web/library_local_history.htm

Casalguidi

[themonsstar]

Hi
If he was in the Yeomanry it would be the Imperial Yeomanry, 10th Battalion, 39th Company(Berkshire).

[Hoochie]

Themonsstar and Casalguidi,

Just read your kind replies, really helpful - many thanks. I now need to get more basic information about my Great Grandfather from surviving family members to trace his exact movements and involvement in the campaign.

Kind regards.

[tillymintoid]

Have a look at http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk
They may be able to help you.
Good luck!
Jackie

[Hoochie]

Jackie - many thanks for the advice, I will check out The Wardrobe in the next few days. Please accept my late response to you but I have been out of the country on business for several weeks.

Kind regards.

Simon

[liverpool annie]

Hi Simon ! welcome home !! 

I know you said you've been away  ..... but I wondered if you had been able to find out anymore personal details regarding your Great Grandfather ??

Give us what you can ..... and lets see if anybody can help !!

Annie