TOPIC:

Hi everyone
Great Website and very informative.
I have a Grandfather that was involved in the Boer War and went there as a 16yr old Trumpeter.
I also am interested in trying to find out more information on a Trooper listed on this site in 1906 at Natal.
I believe he may be my Great Grandfather. I need more info on him to confirm this.
I know its not my Grandfather as in 1906 he was stationed in India.
Any help appreciated.

Hi Charlz, welcome to the ABW Forum. What were the names of your grandfather and great grandfather?

Cheers,

Mark

Hi Mark
My Grandfathers name was Henry Richard Shalders but it was spelt Shawlders on his records that I have been able to find in the UK. He was a Trumpeter in 78th. (He was actually born Richard Thomas but his parents called him Henry which stuck through his life and was always known as Henry. Apparently named this after an older deceased brother)
He then went to India after that till 1907,have group photo of him there in 1905 and then Australia 1911. Joined AIF 1915 went overseas to France and left as Lieut Col at retirement age. Died in 1953.

My great Grandfather Also Henry Richard Shalders was possibly there too although this is pure speculation. Possibly Natal as well?
I know he was at Tel el Kabir but I know nothing else about his Army as I cant find any records for him.( Well I believe its him, same name, but until I find his records even this is unconfirmed.)
They were both attached to RHA or RFA.
Not very easy to find Army Records when you live so far away,if their not online then there is no hope to find them. Henry Snr was in Granby Barracks in 1879 when he married and in Aldershot Barracks in 1884 when young Henry was born. This info from Certificates of Marriage and Birth. Other than this not much known at all.
On the records he is stated as Driver on 1 and Gunner on the other
Dont know anymore than this but hopefully one day will find Henry Snrs records to answer the questions. ( Many spellings of Shalders have been found on the various certs.)Any help at all would be great.

Charlz, 599 Trumpeter HR Shawlders, 78th Battery, RFA is listed on the Queen's South Africa (QSA) Medal roll for the 78th Battery, RFA (Ref WO 100/143 pg 97, dated 10 May 1905) as having been awarded the QSA with Cape Colony, Orange Free state, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, & south Africa 1902 clasps. It is noted that the medal had not been issued on any previous application so it seems this is the only application for him and that he didn't receive a King's South Africa (KSA) medal.

I can find no other men by the name of Shawlders. The only men by the name Shalders that are listed on the QSA roll are an A and E Shalders of the 4th New Zealand Mounted Rifles; a H Shalders in the 1st ILH; and a W Shalders in the Kimberley TG.

The Tpr H Shalders listed in the Natal 1906 roll was with the Transvaal Mounted Rifles. The 1906 Zulu Rebellion was a colonial affair and Imperial troops weren't used to my knowledge. I'm not aware of any RHA or RFA men being detached for service in the TMR but stand under correction. Perhaps another member could confirm this. So unless he left the British Army and enlisted in the [colonial] TMR I would very much doubt it was him. I have no idea if TMR enlistment papers or records survive for 1906.

Cheers,

Mark