TOPIC:

Hello there,
I have always known that my grandfather served in the Boer War; though no details apart from Natal Cabineers and something about a "plume"; then just today I found his name on AngloBoaerWar.com site under Natal Carbineers - Boyer F H Trooper Natal 1906 (1) Source: Recipients of the Natal 1906 Medal. His name was Frank Henry Boyer.

Is there anywhere I can find out about his service and enlistment records during this time. I know that he was originally from Mauritius and was in Estcourt late 18th Century may have been living with Aunts, think he would have been a Colonial soldier not British.

He eventually arrived here in Australia sometime 1905-1907. Arriving in Australia on the SS Atlantic with Australians being repatriated from drought ravaged South Africa, although he had never been here before. He joined the Australian Flying Corp serving time in France and stationed in the UK 1914 - 1918, returning to Australia and died here 1944, unfortunately before I was born. I would be very grateful for any information or leads. Thank you - Regards Sherry

Hello Sherry,
I had a look at the Natal Carbineers roll in WO100/260 and I can tell you he is not on it, nor is he to be found on their nominal roll, he is, as you point out on their medal roll for the Bambatha rebellion of 1906, so it does make one think that he joined them after the Boer War, anything that exists today will be in South Africa, so I should first have a chat with Brett Hendey on this forum, who will be able to tell you all about the Natal Carbineers.
After talking to Brett, if there is anything to be had from Pietermaritzburg, you will need someone to get it for you, Jenny Duckworth would be able to do that, [email protected]
Welcome to this forum and good luck with the search
Regards Frank

Sherry,

That is a fascinating story and it will be interesting to see what he did during the period of the Boer War.

I have updated his record with some of your information.

Good luck with your research
David