TOPIC:

I am trying to help someone trace an ancestor but he seems to be a mystery. Apparently born around 1878 a newspaper article on the occasion of John Clare's golden wedding claims that he served with the "Oxon & Bucks Light Infantry" as a "driver" during the Boer War but we have been unable to find any record for him. The article says that he was wounded (shot in the head and leg) at the Modder River and spent 9 months in hospital before being invalided out without a pension. He then met his future wife in Berkshire in February 1902 so was back in England by then. To add to the mystery his marriage certificate in 1902 gives no father for him and the 1911 census does not specify his birthplace. If anyone has any ideas it would be appreciated.

Good Morning John....

There is only one J. Clare listed in the casualty rolls.....

CLARE, J., 3954, L/CPL., MISSING, WELGEGUND, 25/07/00, RELEASED, 2ND ESSEX MOUNTED INFANTRY

There are a few other Clare's with different initials but none in the Oxon and Bucks.....

Mike Clare

Hello John

Have you tried for service papers at FindmyPast?

Regards
Meurig

John,

Here is the index for John Clare on FindMyPast:



Regards
David

John,

These is one man called Clare on the OLI roll but his initial is A. No J Clare.



Regards
David

Thank you for the information. Unfortunately none of the Clares we have found fit with the information, as this man says he was a "driver" who was invalided out due to injuries sustained during the Boer War. We have checked as thoroughly as we can and am now wondering he this was a story made up to impress a young lady - they married only months after meeting.