Boer War Records Location

[tom mix]

A gentleman came to our Family History Group this morning seeking information about his grandfather, Mathew Leigh who was a Lancer in a Boer War. All I could help him with is the following:

Mathew Leigh born 1879 in Northwich, Cheshire.
Enlisted 1897 in the South Lancashire Regiment. Enlisted Number 6786.

He has researched Mathew's BMD information but would like to find out more of his War Record.
Mathew finished his career as a senior policeman in the Wallasey area.

Could someone please direct me a site where I might find relevant records in addition to the South Lancs  website?

Thanks

Alan

[tonepad]

Leigh   M   Service Number 6786   

The following site has this man serving in the Grenadier Guards:

https://www.angloboerwar.com/name-search


Lancers are cavalry
The South Lancashire Regiment were infantry


Tony

[Tickettyboo]

There is a very informative service record to be found on Ancestry / Fold 3 in the database for UK, Royal Hospital Chelsea Pensioner Soldier Service Records, 1760-1920
for a Matthew Leigh born 1879, Northwich who originally attested in the South Lancs (no 2 5313 - altered with thanks to AndyJ2022) on 10 Jun 1897.

He was transferred to the Grenadier Guards on 19 Aug 1897 which I assume, but I'm not brill with military records, is when his original service no was crossed out on the record and 6786 written in.

To help you/the gentleman who is enquiring to decide if its the right person the record says:
Father: George. Mother: Ann Jane, older brothers: Harry, Thomas, George, younger brothers: Frank, Fredk,Arthur, Harold, sister: Sarah Jane
 all of 5 John St Northwich

Boo

[Andy J2022]

I assume the gentleman concerned has found Matthew Leigh's service documents of FindMyPast. These say that he enlisted in the South Lancs Regiment on 10 June 1897 and was initially given the number 5313. He transferred to the 3rd Battalion the Grenadier Guards on 19 Aug 1897 and was given the new number 6786. He fought in the Second Boer War and was promoted to Corporal. He was transferred to the Reserve on 10 June 1904 and finally discharged on 9 June 1909 having completed his 12 years service. There is no record of him serving in the cavalry.

Is it possible that the gentleman has confused the rank of Lance Corporal with Matthew Leigh being a Lancer?

[Andy J2022]

One reason he may have transferred to the Guards is his height. He was 5' 8¹/₄" at the age of 18 so may have been expected to grow a little more. The Guards only accepted men over 5'8".

[tom mix]

Thank you everyone who replied.
I will present your information to my enquirer and see what he can deduce.
This may not happen for a week as our group only meets once a week on Wednesday mornings.

Regards

Alan

[tom mix]

I met with the enquirer at our weekly meeting today. He asked me to thank all those who contributed to the topic. Everything seemed to make sense. We spent some time looking at the reports on The Battle at Belmont. Fascinating.
He still wonders about Mathew Leigh's role in the War. He recollects that his grandmother showed him a lance which she claims had belonged to her husband, Mathew. At this stage, about 1960, Mathew was dead.
Did the Grenadiers have a cavalry unit? Could Mathew have simply brought the lance home as a souvenir of war? Perhaps we will never know.
Alan

[tonepad]

A Marker Flag used in Trooping the Colour resembles a lance:

https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-marker-guards-leave-after-the-trooping-the-colour-major-generals-review-48738280.html


Tony

[tom mix]

I will take this link to the enquirer when we meet next Wednesday.

Appreciate your interest,

Alan