TOPIC:

Hi,I'm a newbie so forgive my lack of knowledge.

My 2xggrandfather, John Lee (c1864-1956), gave an interview in 1955 (aged 90) in which he claimed to have spent six years (1881-1887) in the 'army horse transport' and later being 'recalled to arms' for the Boer war. Those are the only clues I have about his military service apart from this little adventure reported in the interview: ... he was 'captured' by an Irish regiment who took him for a Boer spy and threatened to shoot him. He was without uniform after taking part in an arduous campaign and he lost his unit while on a secret cross-country march. After a month in a prisoner of war cage his identity was established beyond doubt.

I'd really appreciate any suggestions as to how to begin looking for John Lee's record, if it still exists. I've no military-research experience and have put it off because of my ignorance. Now it's time to get started... I've done a cursory name search here but I'm not sure what the results tell me. Any and all insights would be very welcome. Thank you.

Ashby,

Welcome to the forum. We will see if we can help.

There were lots of men called J Lee in the Boer War. To start to narrow things down, do you have his birth year and place please?

Thank you

He always said 18 April 1864 in Isleworth, Middlesex.

Ashby,

One option open to you would be to search the service records on the subscription service, FindMyPast. The service records only relate to to British soldiers and not everyone who was in the Boer War will have a service record as the record set is incomplete due to fire damage.

From the index of FindMypast, here are the John Lee entries for a birth year of 1864.



As he had prior military service, it is more likely that he rejoined a British regiment. Having left the service in 1887, I don't think he would have been recalled but he could have rejoined.

Thank you, that's interesting. I'm not entirely convinced the details in the 1955 article are all true. At 90 he might be forgiven for 'misremembering' certain details. I've never found a birth certificate but have reason to believe he was born in Ireland , possibly in 1867 and coming to England soon after. So, was necessary to provide a birth certificate or proof of birth to join the army in the 1880s - if so the John Lees from Ireland might be worth looking at.

He mentioned the army horse transport - is that a regiment in itself or part of every mounted regiment? My ignorance is showing now.

I'll certainly look at FMP. Thank you again.