TOPIC:

Hello I'm new to this site, I am looking for info. on my Great Grandfather John Connell O'Brien.He was born in London to Irish parents in 1873. He joined the Buffs,he is listed in the 1891 census as being in camp in Farnborough. In 1894 he is in Athlone Ireland where he married Mary Cunningham. They had three children before he left for South Africa. John never returned and was believed to be a deserter. How can I find info. of his Boer war records or anything that will confirm his desertion?
Thanks,Angela

Hi Angela,

I can't find anyone listed on the medal rolls for the East Kent Regiment with the surname O'Brien. Do you know that he was serving with the EKR Regiment in the Boer War?

David

Hi David,Thanks for your interest.The reason I think John was serving in the Boer War relates to info. from a cousin.John's wife[and three children] received no pension from the army as he was believed to be a deserter. Both my cousins and I have researched John and have found a marriage cert. for him and his wife dated 1894. The marriage is at St. Peter's Athlone John is described as a soldier.
Regards,Angela

Angela.....

I have gone through the Casualty Roll and there is no J.C. 0'Brien listed as deserted........ I also checked J. O'Brien just in case and there is no listing their either.....

Mike

HI Mike,Thank you. I don't know if is good or bad or where to go from here. I didn't know there was a list of deserters but it looks like my great grandfather is still missingRegards,Angela.