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While there is variation within and between units in the form and composition of attestation papers for South African units, there is also consistency in being (usually) one side of paper containing the name, address, next of kin, descriptive details, oath, medical acceptance and signature by the recruit and recruiting officer. There is sometimes space at the base of the form to record information about discharge from the unit.

These form is typical:





This Scottish Horse attestation paper is of an unusual design, being a three part form; one section to be retained by the unit, one sent to headquarters and the third to act as an id card for the new recruit. The ScH attestation papers have several designs including this one. Those of this design in the WO126 series usually appear with just the central section so this complete form is infrequently seen.

An unexpected find in the Scottish Horse box of attestation papers was this Transfer Clothing and Necessaries Statement for James Sharp who served for 19 months in the Scottish Horse as Corporal of Horse and Squadron Sergeant Major before reverting to the Royal Horse Guards in September 1902.

He joined the Scottish Horse 7 March 1901. The words 'Imperial Yeomanry' are in error.

Some examples from the attestation papers for the Bushveldt Carbineers.

Example 1. An original form for recruit 170, Norrie Henderson, signed in Durban, 24 April 1901



Example 2. A hand-written BVC attestation form signed in Durban for C S Hawkins, 11 April 1901



Example 3. Attestation in the Pietersburg Light Horse after the renaming of the unit.

David,

In 1904, H.M.S.O. published a 348 page volume with the title:

"CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN AND OVER-SEA CONTINGENTS EMPLOYED IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN WAR, 1899 -1902"

This includes examples of attestation papers, discharge certificates, and rates of pay for 138 Colonial Units.

If anyone is interested in a particular unit I can upload scans of the relevant documents ....

Neville

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These are the 5 pages for the Pietersburg Light Horse (Bushveldt Carbineers)












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Neville,

I was not aware of that publication. I have searched for a copy and found one in the Australian War Museum, one in the Canadian War Museum and one a little closer at KCL.