Genealogy Chat

I am in a bit of a quandary as to whether or not to risk £10 for army records relating to my grandfather, James Cruickshanks Hall who served in the cavalry during the Boer War. He was born 1863 at Kelso, Scotland. He was married 1898 at Newcastle on Tyne to Mary Elizabeth Burgham. I am informed that a J.C.Hall is listed as having served in the Imperial Yeomanry during that war as private No.30602 in the 101st Coy. 5th Batt. I need to know if James Cruiickshanks Hall (grandfather) and J.C.Hall are one and the same person. It would seem that I might have to take a £10+ gamble... or do members know otherwise?................................... To 'Snowdrop', John Ferguson and Richard Edmunds: Many thanks for your replies; I've taken the plunge and ordered, so fingers crossed!

Well the only way you're really going to find out is by looking at them so it's either gamble £10 on a download or going to Kew in person and that's probably the most expensive option. I reckon it's an odds on favourite though - and so worth it if it is. I got my great granddad's from Kew last year and they are fantastic records to have. Let us know what you decide!!

Just a thought but try and find out if the Imperial Yeomanry fought in the Boer war, this may help to eliminate? Yeomanry doesn't sound like a cavalry unit though? John

I had a great- great uncle fought in the boer war, in Imperial Yeomanry. In fact if I remember rightly I think it was formed for specifically that purpose.

Thought so, they were cavalry too, so probably is your fellow... From Kevin Asplins site, Breif history of Imperial Yeomanry: 'The Imperial Yeomanry were born out of the disasters that became known as ‘Black Week’ in December 1899, after these set-backs it became obvious to all that mounted infantry were needed in large numbers to counter the fast moving, hard hitting Boers. At the start of the war there had been many offers from the Colonels of existing county yeomanry regiments to provide forces for South Africa, some at no cost to the Government, all were politely but firmly rejected. The Yeomanry were a volunteer organization that had been in existence for over a hundred years, the Pembroke Yeomanry having the distinction of being the only unit to have a battle honour on British soil for their defeat of the small French invasion force at Fishguard in 1797. A decision was taken by at the War Office on the 13th of December 1899 to allow a contingent of volunteer forces based on the standing yeomanry regiments, this was a watershed decision in the war. The acceptance that the conflict was not going to be a swift and painless operation and that every man, whether standing army or volunteer, would be needed to defeat this desperate enemy. The birth of the Imperial Yeomanry was through a Royal Warrant dated the 24th of December 1899 and from this warrant the standing Yeomanry regiments were asked to provide service companies of around 115 men each. The new Imperial Yeomanry were to be raised on a county basis with the core being the men of the existing volunteer units, the remainder of the numbers being recruited from individuals that met the strict criteria laid down The Royal Warrant stated:- 1. Her Majesty's Government have decided to raise for active service in South Africa a mounted infantry force, to be named 'The Imperial Yeomanry'. 2. The force will be recruited from the Yeomanry, but Volunteers and civilians who possess the requisite qualifications will be specially enlisted in the Yeomanry for this purpose. 3. The force will be organized in companies of 115 rank and file, 1 one captain and four subalterns to each company, preferably Yeomanry officers. 4. The term of enlistment for officers and men will be for one year, or not less than the period of the war. 5. Officers and men will bring their own horses, clothing, saddlery and accoutrements. Arms, ammunition, camp equipment and transport will be provided by the government. 6. The men to be dressed in Norfolk jackets, of woollen material of neutral colour, breeches and gaiters, lace boots, and felt hats. Strict uniformity of pattern will not be insisted on. 7. Pay to be at Cavalry rates, with a capitation grant for horses, clothing, etc. 8. Applications for enrolment should be addressed to colonels commanding Yeomanry regiments, or to general officers commanding districts, to whom instructions will be issued. 9. Qualifications are: Candidates to be from 20 to 35 years of age, and of good character. Volunteers or civilian candidates must satisfy the Colonel of the regiment through which they enlist that they are good riders and marksmen, according to the Yeomanry standard. The original contingents of the I.Y. were an amazing collection of individuals who were generally socially superior to the men of the regular army they were meant to serve alongside. The 47th Company (Duke of Cambridge’s Own) consisted almost totally of gentlemen from the City of London who not only gave their wages over to the Imperial War Fund but were willing to pay for a horse, their equipment and passage to South Africa. Apart from the 47th there was also Paget’s Horse (19th Bn.) which was recruited through gentleman’s clubs, in total over 50% of the original contingent were of middle and upper classes. This figure included many troopers who had resigned a county Yeomanry commission, they were so desperate to get involved in the conflict. '

Excellent news Kenneth Hope they're the right ones - do let us know how you get on!!