TOPIC:

Does any one know if there any records available of Roystons Horse from 1906, i am trying to find any information i can on my Great Grandfathers time in south Africa, he arrived between 1901 and 1905 and went to France with the 3 South African Infantry in Decemeber 1915, at the end of hostilities he returned to his native Scotland, never to return to South Africa. i have a copy of the Natal Rebellion medal role and also have his medal and clasp for service with the royston horse. Other than this i know nothing of his life in South Africa and any documents would be great.

regards

Allen

Allen,

I have about 60 pages of enlistment details for Roystons Horse all for 1906 only. They are not complete and do not show any NCO's or whether attested into 1st or 2nd Roystons Horse. Anyway, they show Reg number, Rank and Name, Description, Date of Attestation, Squadron, Dates of Promotion and or Reduction, NOK and Date of Discharge.

Not very much but perhaps he is on the lists, what is his name?

Regards
Adrian

Hi Adrian,

His name is Alexander Colville Smith

cheers

Allen

Hello Allen,

Was his Father's name Joseph Smith from the Parish of Fordoun in Kincardineshire, Scotland ?

If so your Great Grandfather enlisted into Royston's Horse on the 21st April 1906 as a Trooper with the Regimental number of 280. He was 26 years old. No Squadron noted or Promotions or discharge date.

As I mentioned in my first email. Not much but something non the less.

Regards
Adrian

Allen,

As your G/Grandfather served with the 3rd SA Infantry during WW1 there will be papers for him in the SANDF Archives in Pretoria.

If you drop Dewald a line on dewald@nelantiques.co.za he will be able to copy them for you. The SA papers are well worth having.

Regards
Adrian

Adrian,

Thank you very much, that is indeed my great grandfather. I got his WW1 papers a couple years ago, very interesting and informative, though leads to another my mystery regarding a South African entrenchment battalion.

Many thanks again Allen