DEVON-L Archives
Archiver > DEVON > 2011-10 > 1318950241
From: JOHN SLY <>
Subject: [DEV] Fw: Boy Drummers Boer War [UNCLASSIFIED]
Date: Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:04:01 +0100 (BST)
References: <2dceb.2c754788.3bcda32f@aol.com><1318867597.1721.YahooMailNeo@web86008.mail.ird.yahoo.com><1318869699.86102.YahooMailNeo@web87113.mail.ird.yahoo.com><B5F779B1FAF98444AAF7027AB20AC03B3FB9D8561B@NA-EXCH2K7.in.tna.local>
In-Reply-To: <B5F779B1FAF98444AAF7027AB20AC03B3FB9D8561B@NA-EXCH2K7.in.tna.local>
Hi listers
I checked with William Spencer, the Military Specialist at The National Archives, about the Drummer Boy in South Africa. Below is his reply, unedited
John Sly
----- Forwarded Message -----
>From: "Spencer, William" <>
>To: 'JOHN SLY' <>
>Sent: Tuesday, 18 October 2011, 7:19
>Subject: RE: [DEV] Boy Drummers Boer War [UNCLASSIFIED]
>
>I don’t like the first para of the devon page, it’s completely wrong!
>
>A boy born in 1889 is highly unlikely either to be in the army at 10 or overseas.
>
>WS
>----- Forwarded Message -----
>>From: Joy Langdon <>
>>To: "" <>; "" <>
>>Sent: Monday, 17 October 2011, 17:06
>>Subject: Re: [DEV] Boy Drummers Boer War
>>
>>According to this document on the National Archives website, by 1876 boys were enlisted from the age of 14 as musicians, drummers, tailors, shoemakers, artificers or clerks.
>>http://yourarchives.nationalarchives.gov.uk/index.php?title=Enlistment_of_Boy_Soldiers_in_the_British_Army%2C_1795-1959
>>
>>There is a listing here but I think it is a work in progress. I am sure they would be interested in having details of your ancestor if he is not already there.
>>http://www.devonheritage.org/Nonplace/DevonReg/Devons2ndBoerWarRollofHonour1899to1902.htm
>>
>>Regards,
>>
>>Joy
>>
>>________________________________
>>From: "" <>
>>To:
>>Sent: Monday, 17 October 2011, 16:26
>>Subject: [DEV] Boy Drummers Boer War
>>
>>
>>Hello
>>I have an ancestor who served as a drummer with the 2nd Battalion
>>Devonshire Regt. He was awarded the Queen’s South Africa 1899/1902 Medal plus 6
>>clasps. This boy was born in 1889, as far as I can tell, which would mean
>>he was very young to have served in, presumably, the Boer War. Could
>>someone so young have served at the age of 10 or 11 years old?
>>I know that Thomas Hardy wrote a poem about a young drummer boy who went
>>to war.
>>Are there any records listing Devon lads who served in the Boer War?
>>Thank you.
>>Angela
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