TOPIC:

I am seeking to confirm Gr.grandfather who (supposedly) enlisted. Not sure this is the one, many W Nicholls listed. Can anyone tell me IF ENLISTMENT or DEATH details are online? This 455 awarded a medal, Rolls 1793-1945, died on service 1902.

GGF born in Scotland, family proceeded to Australia. GGF not listed in Aust contingent, we think he enlisted in UK or the Cape.

This is a 113 yr old mystery. Greatly appreciate ANY help. Vernette

Dear Vernette,

The William Nicholls who served in the Pietersburg Light Horse was born in Bristol and was 20 on 30 December 1901 when he enlisted. His next of kin was his father who lived at 31 Winstanley Street, Barton Hill.

It doesn't sound like your great-grandfather unfortunately. Have you checked the rolls of the Scottish Horse? Many Australians of British origin sailed to South Africa to fight in the war with this unit.

Best wishes,

Justin

Hello,
A brief look at the medal rolls in WO100/263 pages 173 and 188, the nominal roll in WO127/3, the published casualty roll and the quarterly returns confirm that William Nicholls enlisted into the Pietersberg Light Horse, at Durban, on the 30th of December 1901 and was killed on the 31st of January 1902, almost certainly by General Beyers commando who were at large in the Zoutspanberg and running amuck, in a murderous frenzy, pursued by Colonel Colenbrander's column, which included the Pietersberg Light Horse.
To be sure this is the man you are looking for, you would need to consult WO126/100 at The National Archives Kew London and find any surviving attestation paper which might prove it beyond reasonable doubt.
Kind regards Frank

Well, I think Justin has proved that this is not the man you are looking for!

JustinLDavies wrote: Dear Vernette,

The William Nicholls who served in the Pietersburg Light Horse was born in Bristol and was 20 on 30 December 1901 when he enlisted. His next of kin was his father who lived at 31 Winstanley Street, Barton Hill.

It doesn't sound like your great-grandfather unfortunately. Have you checked the rolls of the Scottish Horse? Many Australians of British origin sailed to South Africa to fight in the war with this unit.

Best wishes,

Justin

Good morning Justin,
A quick look in WO100 and WO127 does show a certain W A Nicholls who enlisted into the Scottish Horse, interestingly, the 2nd too, on the 20th of January 1901 at Pietermaritzberg, serving until disbandment, so a look in WO126/122-126 might prove it either way.
Kind regards Frank

JustinLDavies wrote: Dear Vernette,

The William Nicholls who served in the Pietersburg Light Horse was born in Bristol and was 20 on 30 December 1901 when he enlisted. His next of kin was his father who lived at 31 Winstanley Street, Barton Hill.

It doesn't sound like your great-grandfather unfortunately. Have you checked the rolls of the Scottish Horse? Many Australians of British origin sailed to South Africa to fight in the war with this unit.

Best wishes,

Justin

Dear Frank, may thanks

Dear Vernette, there is a possible way ahead for you!

Best wishes,

Justin