TOPIC:

Have this photograph of my Great Grandfather next to what looks like his military chest. It has "Pretoria" and "Staatsartillerie Transvaal" as well as a number that looks like it starts with R.R.O. He was born in 1876 so would have been 23 when the ABW started. I believe the Transvaal Staatsartillerie disbanded in 1902? so assume he served. Are there any databases that may have records that are searchable?

Is this your great grandfather?

Pieter Willem MARAIS

He is shown at being a member of the Transvaal Staatsartilerie

..

Here's your photo -

Yes! thats him, my whole family on the Marais side came from Clocolan, thanks so much!

Darrel Hall's 'Handbook of the Anglo Boer War' states there were only 733 members of the ZAR Staatsatillerie at the start of the War, so if you know how he looked when young, look carefully at photos of artillerists in the War (of which there are many!) you may indeed recognise your oupagrootjie.

I do not know how common the Marais name is but I have in my collection:

MARAIS, J. A. (JOHN ANDREW)
REG. NO.: 60
RANK: TROOPER
REGT: STEYTERVILLE DISTRICT MOUNTED TROOPS
BARS: NO BARS AS ISSUED

REMARKS / HISTORY: ALSO SERVED IN:

WESTERN PROVINCE MOUNTED RIFLES, 557 TROOPER, J.A. MARAIS
CAPE COLONY CYCLIST CORPS, 23799 PRIVATE J.A. MARAIS
DORDRECHT TOWN GUARD, 75 PRIVATE J. MARAIS

Also may be of interest:

www.angloboerwar.com/forum/surname-s/208...org-sers-major#53951

Mike