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I'v had contact from senior researchers this forum but still looking for info re this fellow, was with the regiment when it disbanded in Edinburgh - where he was born 1867 though family resided New Caledonia, family spent many years in Australia. Where can I easily access enlistment and discharge records this regiment, without complication OR cost?. any help much appreciated. Vernette

I believe this to be my GGF, who disappeared from family 1895 approx. Famil;y mystery

Vernette
The book "Southern Cross Scots" ISBN 0 9593701 2X shows "31693 W.A.NICHOLLS" as a Farrier Sjt in the 2nd Regt of Scottish Horse. He is shown as travelling to SA in the transport "Orient" enlisted 15031901 and returned 14091901 and awarded QSA with clasps C/O/T/01. It appears he went back to SA (in Transport Raeburn) re-enlisted 22011902 as number 41060 and discharged 06071902 with the additional clasp "1902" for his QSA. He appears to have had previous service in SA with E Griqualand M R. His enlistment papers show he was born in Newcastle NSW and was domiciled in Footscray, Victoria.
To verify that the above is your GGF, you would need to dig as deep as you can with the UK PRO. I realise that there are a couple of mismatches in the above as opposed to your email.
Good luck
IL.

Hello Vernette,
A brief look at WO127/20 and WO100/269 pages 28 and 156 does confirm a William Alfred Nicholls as having served twice in the 2nd Scottish Horse, there is an issue with the dates however, WO127 shows an enlistment date of the 15th of February 1901 at Green Point and a discharge date of the 25th of October 1901.
Whilst WO100/269 shows a discharge date of the 14th of September 1901 at Capetown.
Regarding his service in 1902, the dates shown in WO127 are enlistment into the 2nd Scottish Horse at Pietermaritzburg on the 20th of January 1902 and then discharge on disbandment on the 6th of July 1902.
WO100/269 shows shows him as discharged at Johannesburg, it confirms both regimental numbers as correct and the rank of Farrier Sergt, though, WO127 gives his rank as Trooper for his 1902 service.
It confirms a QSA and five clasps and gives a date of the 6th of January 1905 as the date of issue of his South Afica 1901 and 1902 clasps.
Moreover, I think Ian's book does tend to confirm that his original attestation and discharge paper has survived to this day and it will be found in WO126/122-126 at Kew, but to be quite honest, the author, of Ian's book has done the work for you!
I would be surprised if this was the man you are looking for, is there a particular reason why you think he is?
Anyway, as Ian has pointed out, WO126 at Kew, really should be your next port of call.
Kind regards Frank Kelley

Thanks for reply - this is not GGF who was born in Edinborough whilst family heading to Aus. Wish it was him! Vernette

Vernette
Good luck with your search!
IL.

Hello - I've been trawling without luck. Records listed as free, are NOT. Tried to email a researcher by name O'Hara, no Java script. I thought it would be fairly easy to access boer war records - is for some! Am losing hope as Scottish Horse farrier is William Albert NOT William Andrew. I need more info how to access records. Thanks for yr help so far - vernette