TOPIC:

I have long been an enthusistic history buff - but never expolored personal family connections. My grandfather served in the Boer War and I would like to re-trace his military record about which I know little currently.
His military identity is 483 RFLM William Ralphs Kings Royal Rifle Corps. enlisted, Manchester 8th November 1897 posted South Africa 28.10.1899 until 28.07.00 when departing for Ceylon.
I have his QSA medal with clasps Defence of Ladysmith; Transvaal; Laing's Nek. I also hold a complete original set of fortnightly editions of "With the Flag to Pretoria" which my grandmother collected at the time, so have ample understanding of the key events and background to the conflict.
His posting to Ceylon was followed by transfer to India and return to England on 28.10.05. He died in 1928 and was buried in the soldiers cemetery at Liverpool Cathedral (since removed).
I have visited RSA on business several times in 1996 and am likely to return in the next 18 months. I therefore would very much appreciate any help with information about the movements of his regiment 1899/00 and incidents in which they were involved - plus local sources of historical references I can follow up, including directly on a visit to the RSA. I fully intend also to trace the Indian tour of duty as well.
I only recently found this website - it looks hugely interesting and I am hopeful it can also provide some leads for my fsmily research.

Good evening and welcome to this forum,
The service papers of your grandfather are available on line at ancestry and I assume you must have seen them, I have just enjoyed reading them and noted that he arrived in Natal on the 28th October.
So he missed out on the battle at Dundee and the storming of Talana where many men from his regt were killed, while taking the summit with the bayonet.
So to answer your question, I would, if I were you, concentrate any future visit to South Africa with a stay in Ladysmith and a visit to Waggon Hill would be a must!
The KRRC and quite possibly your grandfather if he was there would have found himself facing De Villiers Free Staters on the 5th and 6th January 1900, the battle was bloody!
There are so many things to see, all I would say to you is be very careful, but, as you have been to South Africa before, I guess you know enough about common sense and your own safety whilst staying there!
Whilst in Ladysmith, I would also take a look at number 16 Poort Road, this was Sir George Whites headquarters during the siege and was actually shelled by the Boers.
Good luck in your research and enjoy any leisure time in Natal!
Regards Frank

Forgot to add, it was not obvious from his service papers which battalion your grandfather was actually in, but, as he was in the 2nd, he may well have been on Waggon Hill with Major Gore-Browne!

The Rifles (Royal Green Jackets) Museum in Winchester would be worth visiting. Staff and volunteers at the Museum may well be able to provide details of the service of the KRRC unit involved.

Regards
Brett

Hi Peter
And a warm welcome to the forum.

Paul