How did they travel?

[MaxD]

If not on horses (as Suzard says) then on foot unless there were railways there.  Almost every type of unit had nearly as many horses as men.

MaxD

[BumbleB]

Many thanks everyone.

[Jebber]

There was the railway in India from 1853.

[ainslie]

They marched a lot!

[BumbleB]

I had forgotten about the railways in SA - initially built for the mineral trades (according to Martin Marix Evans in his book "The Boer War South Africa 1899-1902").

http://www.boer-war.com/Details2nd/Railways.html

[MaxD]

Getting a bit obsessed by our bandsman!

Some snippets:
Long newspaper account of the departure to SA of 2nd Battalion in the Windsor and Eton Express 19 Feb 1898 to be found in the nespapers on FindMyPast.

Brief overview of their service in SA here:
https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperial-units/646-royal-berkshire-regiment

And an answer to the travel question pictured here:
http://www.thewardrobe.org.uk/research/history-of-regiments/the-berkshire-regiment-1881-1885-the-royal-berkshire-regiment-1885-1959

MaxD

[BumbleB]

You might just be right, Max   

I'm just nosy    And having visited SA and driven across the plains at 120 kph with the mountains not getting any nearer, it just fascinates me as to how they travelled in the past.  I have a Missionary, back in 1820s/30s who did a lot of travelling - don't know how he had time to preach etc.  But thank you very much for your efforts.

[MaxD]

It's me getting obsessed!  I'm hoping the family member has checked out all the sources like the Boer War despatches and the Great War diaries for example all of which would add life to the bare facts in the service record.  I'll leave you in peace!

MaxD

[Regorian]

From the 1840's rail transport was common over long distances in UK. Otherwise, marching. In the early 1800's, marching, perhaps some transport by narrow boats on canals if available. I remember reading Quarter Sessions records in Gloucestershire County records, the Army had to get legal clearance for troop movements. Even where it involved a corporal and 8 men. I read one such record authorising such a group from Gloucestershire to the Isle of Wight!