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My name is Julian Chase and Edgar James Chase was my grandfather. Whilst researching WW1 records, his join up papers show that he fought in the Boer war. Unfortunately the papers are difficult to read but the previous service looks like "A squad Hank Carabinaires". The H of Hank could well be incorrect and could be IR for example.
Can I thank in advance anyone who can shed any light on the "outfit" or indeed anything on Edgar James Chase's service in the Boer War. Edgar was born in 1874 in New York with English parents and returned to England in 1880 with is mother and sister after his father died. Unfortunately he himself died in 1916 aged 42 after having been gassed and invalided out. He left his wife with 3 boys aged 8 - 11. The youngest of these was my father.

Hello Julian and welcome to the forum.

When I read your message, I thought the Hank was probably Natal as the Natal Carbineers were a famous unit in the Boer war.

Searching the rolls, two E J Chases served in the war. One in the Imperial Yeomanry and another in the Uitenhage Town Guard.

He could perhaps have served in the Natal Carbineers after the Boer War? What are the dates on his papers?

If he is the IY man (the forenames do match), his papers may well exist for this unit too.

Kind regards
David

David, thanks and thanks so much for your fast reply. I have no idea which of these 2 are my one and not knowing anything about the Boer war, I have no idea which unit he would have likely joined. I have attached a copy of the signing up (WW1) papers. I am not sure that I could read Natal into them though? I also have also attached a photo of Edgar in uniform if this would be of help?

Julian,

I think it reads Hants rather than Natal. The 50th Company of the Imperial Yeomanry were known as the Hants IY. He served as 4699 Trooper.

There will be a attestation paper for him in WO126 at the National Archives.

There's no information on the unit here as yet: angloboerwar.com/unit-information/imperi...mpany-17th-battalion

He is though listed on the nominal roll on that page.

In the comments on this page, there is mention of a book that contains information on the 50th Company.

Best wishes
David

David

I think you are quite right; the what I thought was Hanks is indeed Hants. Thanks so much for your help.

Julian

What a superb photograph, whilst Chase is perhaps not as well attired as a Natal Carbineer, he is certainly better armed!

jchase wrote: David, thanks and thanks so much for your fast reply. I have no idea which of these 2 are my one and not knowing anything about the Boer war, I have no idea which unit he would have likely joined. I have attached a copy of the signing up (WW1) papers. I am not sure that I could read Natal into them though? I also have also attached a photo of Edgar in uniform if this would be of help?