TOPIC:

Hi,

I'm researching my great great grandfather, who died during the Boer War in February 1900.
I believe he died at Ladysmith - and cause of death has been given as disease.

His name was Henry Stewart - 2723 - and he was a staff sergeant farrier in the 5th Lancers.

I've previously found his name on medal rolls and on a plaque in Dublin.

Now, I'm looking for his service record which I believe may not exist.

So I was wondering what exactly is recorded on the death records from the Boer War.
Would it give any details about age at death? Or place of birth?

Currently I don't know where or exactly when Henry was born or even when he joined the army. Although it has been suggested that his number was recruited in 1884/1885.

Were detailed death records kept?

Thank you
Emma

Emma,

There are 4 entries for him in the roll on this site.



You can read about the early career in SA of the 5th Lancers here . Your ggf also served with the 5th Lancers at Elandslaagte and may well have taken part in the famous charge there. There are many accounts of the encounter at Elandslaagte on the site, for example Steevens' .

The service papers for those who died in South Africa were destroyed so I don't think you will find them. A search in the index on FindMyPast confirmed this. Probably the best you can do is piece together his movements from other sources.

Best wishes
David