TOPIC:

Hi all,

What an amazing site this is, very helpful for my research.

I'm researching the involvement of the Border Regiment in the Boer War, and one person in particular;

Bandsman (May have been Sergeant Drummer) Burns.

Does anyone know where I can find enlistment criteria for this war? Sergeant Burns was band leader of the 1st Volunteer Battalion, Border Regiment, and did not enlist, or was not called upon for active service. He was 36 in 1899, and father of eight children. Is that enough to explain why? I know he was in poor health later, and not fit in 1914.

All the best
Kim

Good Morning Kim......

Can you give his full name and number........

I can see only one J. Burns in the Border Regt. a Private, Wounded at Spearman's Camp......

Mike

Thank you, that's really kind of you to look.
However, Felix Joseph Burns, who I am researching, did not serve in South Africa so far as I can tell. He stayed at home, based in Carlisle. I'm wondering about enlistment criteria - at 36, was he too old for active service? And as a father of 8, would he have been excused? Or as a very successful local musician and bandmaster of the regiment, would his work at home have been deemed more useful? He did a lot of fundraising for the troops.

Hello KimWriting
Welcome to the forum

Felix was a popular performer, band master, teacher and church organist. A professor of music as well as having thirteen children with his wife, Catherine. Quite possibly his age and all the above may have been the reason for not serving in the Boer War. Although, there were some Imperial Yeomanry soldiers who joined up with ages ranging from 30 to 45.
His musical talent and his writing and recording portfolio may have contributed more to the moral of the people? It's a possibility.
He did serve in the 4th Battalion Border regiment from 1908 and was discharged in 1916. I have enclosed his attestation papers for your research. Also there is a link for you to check out regarding Mr Burns potted history.




boxandfiddlearchive.weebly.com/felix-burns1.html

Kind regards

Dave......

Thanks, Dave, very kind of you.
Kim