TOPIC:

Firstly, many thanks for accepting me to this forum. My quest is to discover more about the family of two brothers, Walter Francis born in about 1876 and David Francis born about 1861. Both were killed at Mafeking in 1900. There is a memorial to them there. I have the details of how they died and also David's attestation, but when searching census returns I have drawn a blank. Any help would be very much appreciated.

Hello Blondel
Welcome to the forum.
Is it possible for you to provide a place of birth for Walter and David? The more information provided may help the forum members to assist in your request.

Dave......

Hi Dave, according to his attestation, David Francis was born about 1861 in Cwmafan, Aberavon, Glamorgan. His 'brother' Walter Francis seems to have been born between 1876-1880 in Eglwssan, Pontypridd, Glamorgan. They are buried together in a private grave at Mafeking. David was killed on 3rd Feb 1900 and Walter was killed 6th May 1900. They were killed 3 months apart but within a few yards of each other close to Canon Kopje. They are commemorated on the obelisk in the town hall square.
But, using those dates of birth etc. it is proving extremely difficult to find them and their family in the census records and civil registration records. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Regards

Mafeking

Hi Blondel
I am looking at David Francis firstly, just a couple of questions.
Was David ever married ? I noticed on his death paperwork he was single.
Did he ever marry whilst in Glamorgan?
His trade recorded was a labourer, was he also a miner?
I believe he left the UK circa 1893 /94. I found a shipping document which records a David Francis leaving for Capetown on the Pembrokeshire Castle he was aged 30.
Do you know David's parents names?
And one last question, is there a connection to a family called Rees?

Best regards

Dave........

Is this the attestation papers you mentioned ?