TOPIC:

I am interested in researching a "R P Oelofse". I recently acquired a Mauser Rifle with this name carved on the stock. The serial number puts in the block of the first 10 thousand rifles ordered by the South African Republic/ZAR/Transval. I see there is someone of a similar name listed on the site as being taken prisoner and sent to Ceylon as a POW. If anyone has suggestions on how to proceed, I would appreciate it.

Hi, it might be the rifle of Rudolph Petrus Oelofse who served in the Wepener Commando. Please post some pictures of the carved stock as other members might be interested as well.
Regards, Charl

Here is a picture of the rifle

Rudolph Petrus Oelofse of Wepenaar is likely the correct person. He applied for and was awarded an Anglo-Boer War medal in about 1930.

That's great news - where is this medal info located?

MIlitary archives, Pretoria.