TOPIC:

Takapuna, Auckland New Zealand. Sunday 27th Nov 2022.
Greetings members. I am "a new recruit" to this site but have in fact been a member for years this being the first occasion that I have a question relating to my long deceased Grandfather (Yes I am also a Grandfather and an ex member of the BSAP and NZP retiree). My Grandfather was a 2nd generation Kiwi and initially joined the South African Light Horse as a Trooper in 1901. He seems to have finished his service in South Africa, as a Trooper 3rd Class, in early 1904 as a member of the South African Constabulary. There is documentary proof of (from the Medal rolls etc) these appointments. Can anyone tell me how it was that members transferred to the SAC? I look forward to your comments. Thanks.

Grandfather
I suggest you have a look at the on-line dissertation "The British-inspired model of administration: Assembling the South African Constabulary. 1900-1902" by Scott C. Spencer, University of Virginia. That gives a very good background to the SAC and the type of recruit it wanted to attract. and what it was intended to do. I understand that the SAC had local recruiting offices at the Cape and in Natal as well as the UK.
It is not beyond the realms of possibility that your GF simply applied for a position in the SAC at the end of his enlistment in the SALH.
Good luck with your research.
Regards
IL.

Hello Grandfather,

Do you have a name for us too work with.

Cheers

Monday 28th Nov 2022, Takapuna, Auckland NZ.
Good morning , My G/F's name is William CROFT SAC 3rd Class Trooper 891, HQ 100 ex SALH Trooper, 43162. Bars for Cape Colony, OFS, T/vaal. Any assistance appreciated. Thank you. Regards.

Grandfather
The only extra thing you have not already derived from the medal rolls is that his medal was issued to "home address" (not expanded upon). His QSA would have carried the clasps C/OFS/TV/SA01/SA02.
There are not yet any enlistment papers for SALH on this site and they may exist at the UK PRO. Similarly for the SAC. For my PRO research, I always use the excellent services of Kevin Asplin (kevinasplin@aol.com).
Again, good luck with your research
Regards
IL..

Hello Grandfather,

Is this your man?



Regards