TOPIC:

Morning All,

I am trying to establish whether Captain Charles James Clerk, 21st Lancers (he of Omdurman), took part in any capacity in the Boer War. There is no mention of him in the AngloBoerWar name search.

The only evidence I have for this his entry in a school archival mini biography which ends with "21st Lancers (Lieut., 1889; Capt., 1898). Adjutant. In Soudan Campaign, 1898. Despatches. British and Egyptian Medals with clasp. S. Africa, 1900. Retired, 1901."

Subsequent editions of Hart's Army List make no mention of service in South Africa. If anyone knows of any service there I would be grateful to hear from you.

With thanks and best wishes,

TomP-C

I should have thought that if he is not on the QSA roll, in any capacity whatsoever, then no, I doubt that he did serve in South Africa during the war.

Tom,

I cannot see him on the rolls for the Boer War. The 21st Lancers sent only a small detachment to South Africa: www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/im...its/513-21st-lancers

He was Adjutant from 7 October 1898 so perhaps he stayed with the main body of troops?

The 1905 Army List references only his Nile service.

Tom
The publication "War Services of Officers of the Army" says -
Clerke, C.J., (Capt., Reserve of Officers). Nile Expedition, 1898 - Despatches, London Gazette, 9 Dec., 98.
Looks like he retired after the Nile expedition.
Regards
IL.