TOPIC:

Hello

I am researching my Great Grandfather Alfred (George) Galvin.

Born 22/10/1877 in Auckland, New Zealand.

He was still in Auckland in 1896 as confirmed by census records.

He somehow made it across to Southern Africa and I now suspect that this may have been in NZ contingents heading to the Boer War.

I had access to the attached photo which was annotated as Colonials in Sicily during WW1.

I now suspect it is more likely to be of Steinaecker Horse troops. This is based on the SH badges they have.

Some further info I managed to track down on Ancestry ZA turned up Alfred Galvin joining the South African Constabulary (SAC) on 08/03/1903 which appears to be around the time that SH disbanded. Further reading suggested that some of the SH troops moved across to the SAC so this appears to fit. He was a butcher by trade. See PDF

I still need to join up the dots as to how Alfred got across to SA but is anybody able to provide a view as to whether I am on the right track with my assessment. Can anybody confirm picture is on SH. I am assuming given the ship they are on this ties in with records of them sailing up the cost to Kosi Bay.

I cannot find any other references to Alfred on this site other than an Alfred George Galvin (#127) 3rd NSW Bushmen. This looked promising as I thought perhaps Alfred had gone across to Australia first. Further info today from Aus Archives suggests this is not the same person.

Are the nominal rolls available on this site for searching complete with all records?

Enyawnivlag
Welcome to the Forum. That is a great picture; most of them appear to be wearing the ribbon of the QSA medal - and "S.H." shoulder titles indicates "Steinaecker's Horse". However, there is no reference to any GALVIN (Alfred/George/any forename) in the nominal appendix of Woolmore's book "Steinaecker's Horsemen". Additionally, there is no "GALVIN" shown on the SH nominal roll on this site.
For those in Australia or NZ who missed out on the ballots for the various contingents for South Africa, there was always the prospect of being an "indulgence passenger" or horse-handler end enlisting in a local unit upon arrival.
Regards.
IL.

Enyawnivlag

Just to make sure I also checked the Strathcona's Horse roll and as well I am afraid there is no Galvin..... They also wore SH but no feathers in their stetsons.....

Mike

Hi Mike

Thanks for that.

So would feathers be consistent with the Steinaecker Horse?

Wayne

enyawnivlag wrote: Hi Mike

Thanks for that.

So would feathers be consistent with the Steinaecker Horse?

Wayne

That is what it looks like to me...... You know those Australians and New Zealanders like to show off...... LOL......

Mike

Oh boy did I ever get myself in trouble for that......