Boer war - William James Warner

[Cymraes]

I have had no luck whatsoever in tracing my grandfather William james Warner who was born about 1873. My mother told me he'd been a cook in the Boer war. Would there be any record of him anywhere? I assume he would have been a serving soldier, or would he have been a civilian cook? Any clues will be appreciated. I was told he came from Banbury but I've found no trace of him there.

[Geoffers]

I have had no luck whatsoever in tracing my grandfather William james Warner who was born about 1873. My mother told me he'd been a cook in the Boer war. Would there be any record of him anywhere? I assume he would have been a serving soldier, or would he have been a civilian cook? Any clues will be appreciated. I was told he came from Banbury but I've found no trace of him there.I'd suggest proceeding methodically. If you haven't already, you should obtain a copy of yor grandfather's marriage certificate. This will have his age at marriage, which may tie down the birth year a little. It will also show his father's name and occupation (unless illegitimate), which will make it far easier to find him in the 1881 census.

If you believe your chap was in the army, then try the National Archives (TNA) at Kew, who hold service records, pension records, muster books, pay books, medal rolls.

Geoffers
Charlbury, Oxfordshire

[marianne Faull]

have a look at kevin asplins military history site which lists Boer War soldiers.I found my grandfather listed there. the site is slow to load but bear with it.
Asplin Military History.
good luck.