TOPIC:

Hello,

My grandfather, Frederick Morton Burns fought in the Boer War. He was born in St. Louis, MO, USA in 1879. He would have been about 21 years old when he was in the war. My question is: Why would an American fight in a British war?

Thank you!

Fredsomo
A question only able to be conclusively answered by your GF! The answer could be any one of the following - or a mix of them; a search for adventure, boredom with his circumstances, lack of employment, or sympathy with the British cause. In the US, the Indian Wars were over by 1900 - so there was no prospect of "adventure" there. Perhaps a stint against the Moros in the Philippines did not attract? The real point, I suppose, is that he did volunteer and serve. Do you know which unit he served in during his time in South Africa?
Good luck with your research
Regards
IL.

I found 2 Frederic M. Burns..... One was born in Surrey so I do not think that it is not him.....
The one I think is the following.....
Love to find his medal....., 2 Great Units and 4 Great Bars on his medal.....

Mike

First name(s) F M
Last name Burns
Service number 5120 and 2213
Rank Trooper
Regiment 2 Brabant's Horse
Other regiments/units served with South African Light Horse,Unknown,2213
Rolls
WO100/237 page 184
Year 1899-1902
Biography
-
Country Great Britain
Notes
QSA Clasps: Wepner, Wittebergen, Belfast, Cape Colony
Record set Anglo-Boer War Records 1899-1902
Category Military Service & Conflict
Subcategory Boer Wars
Collections from Great Britain, UK None