A
AylesfordLake
Guest
Hello all - (This is my very first post on this board.)
I'm a Candian civilian who is doing some research into Canada's role in the Boer War - more specifically I am interested in learning about the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment. I recently discovered that my Great Grandfather (Oriel Miller) was a member of this particular regiment and have inherited all of his affects from this period (including discharge papers/ colonial hat pins/ photo's in uniform with chums/ on horseback Kings Coronation parade in Sysdney NS, of early Aldershot military camp, / I suspect live ammunition (bullets) for Lee Enfield rifle?/ South African coins/ troop scarves? /and most incredibly his leather saddle bed roll (still in remarkably good condition).
My research to date has revealed that the 4th Regiment was part of Canada's last contigent to this war and arrived in South Africa along with the 3rd/5th/6th regiments on various liners just as the war ended. Because these regiments saw no action (spending only weeks or days in South Africa) there is very little information about these regiments even collectively.
If anyone can shed some light on these forgotten regiments (the 4th in particular) it would be much appreciated. Most of my reading to date (Internet/Books) has revealed only the most dryest of information - regimental structures, transport accounts, that sort of thing. I welcome all help and suggestions...but am most curious to learn more about their time in South Africa. It would appear that it was mostly spent parade drilling for the King's upcoming Coronation and boozing in the local tavens, some endng up in the slammer as a result...whereupon they were soon set free by their mates who raided the local lock-up (All of this according to a 1902 PEI newspaper article). This is the kind of rare record I'm missing, so if you know of an expert or source that can help - suggest away...
Thanking any and all in advance for your contributions.
I'm a Candian civilian who is doing some research into Canada's role in the Boer War - more specifically I am interested in learning about the 4th Canadian Mounted Rifles Regiment. I recently discovered that my Great Grandfather (Oriel Miller) was a member of this particular regiment and have inherited all of his affects from this period (including discharge papers/ colonial hat pins/ photo's in uniform with chums/ on horseback Kings Coronation parade in Sysdney NS, of early Aldershot military camp, / I suspect live ammunition (bullets) for Lee Enfield rifle?/ South African coins/ troop scarves? /and most incredibly his leather saddle bed roll (still in remarkably good condition).
My research to date has revealed that the 4th Regiment was part of Canada's last contigent to this war and arrived in South Africa along with the 3rd/5th/6th regiments on various liners just as the war ended. Because these regiments saw no action (spending only weeks or days in South Africa) there is very little information about these regiments even collectively.
If anyone can shed some light on these forgotten regiments (the 4th in particular) it would be much appreciated. Most of my reading to date (Internet/Books) has revealed only the most dryest of information - regimental structures, transport accounts, that sort of thing. I welcome all help and suggestions...but am most curious to learn more about their time in South Africa. It would appear that it was mostly spent parade drilling for the King's upcoming Coronation and boozing in the local tavens, some endng up in the slammer as a result...whereupon they were soon set free by their mates who raided the local lock-up (All of this according to a 1902 PEI newspaper article). This is the kind of rare record I'm missing, so if you know of an expert or source that can help - suggest away...
Thanking any and all in advance for your contributions.