Cape Colony 1867 - 1870

[Bruce Hill]

My great grandfather was an Ensign in the 20th Foot Regiment (East Devonshires) posted to the Cape Colony from 1867 - 1870. What would an Ensign at the Cape be doing for three years? As far as I am aware the British Army was not involved in warfare during this period. Any info on what a young subaltern might be doing then?

[barryd]

There was the Free State-Basotho Wars 1858-1868. The Boers v the people of  Basutoland. The British eventually made Basutoland a "Protectorate". Protectorates need armies to "protect" them. This is possibly why soldiers were there. Or they were there because the Cape Colony was British and the British sent troops to wherever they wanted to.

[Bruce Hill]

Thank you for your response. Is there a book or other reference about life in the colony about this time?

[barryd]

 British Troops during the second (1806-1910) British occupation of the Cape Colony .............................
it looks like British Troops were finally pulled out in 1910.

[barryd]

https://search.findmypast.com/search/all-records/british-army-service-records?birthcountry=africa&o=birthparish&page=3




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