Boer War

Trace soldiers from Glasgow and Scotland who fought in the Boer Wars in South Africa 1899-1902.

What do I need to know before I start?

Try to find out:

  • name of the soldier
  • approximate date of birth
  • soldier's address

 

What records can I find in The Mitchell: Glasgow City Archives and the Registrars?

Glasgow City Archives holds the burgess rolls of the city. Between February 1900 and June 1904, Glasgow Corporation agreed to admit Glasgow-based Boer War volunteers as burgesses and guild brethren of the city. In total, 1034 burgess tickets were issued to volunteers.

 

The entries include a volunteer’s:

  • name
  • occupation
  • address
  • battalion
  • rank (occasionally)

 

The Registrar holds digital images of the War Returns of Scottish soldiers who died in the South African War (1899-1902). Copies of these images, together with a full index, are one of the many resources available as part of the ScotlandsPeople network which you access in the Registrars on payment of a daily fee.

 

What records can I see online?

The index of Boer War burgesses is available online.

 

What records can I see elsewhere?

British Army records are held at The National Archives.

 

What other resources will help me find information?

Contact

Glasgow City Archives

archives@glasgowlife.org.uk

0141 287 2910

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