How to find Boer War records
Researcher
Tue Sep 23 2025
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< 5 minutes read
The Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902) saw tens of thousands of men from Britain, its Empire and the Commonwealth fight against the two Boer republics of South Africa. Here's how to uncover your family's connection to this major conflict using digitised military records.
What was the Anglo-Boer War?
The Anglo-Boer War, sometimes referred to as the South African War or the Second Boer War, broke out in October 1899, when British threats to the Boers' way of life paired with the discovery of gold in the Transvaal led to a political deadlock.
Around 450,000 British officers and men served in the Boer War, with many soldiers from across British colonies (particularly Australia and Canada) also serving.
Conditions were harsh for both sides. Fighting consisted of sieges, long marches and guerrilla warfare, as well as - for the first time - the British Army's use of concentration camps. An estimated 22,000 British Army soldiers died in the conflict, the majority of whom died due to disease.
Tracing British Army involvement
For many British families, it was the first time a relative had served overseas. The records from this conflict mark an important turning point in military and social history. They document the upheaval of loved ones and the militarised first act of the 20th century.
Types of Boer War records available
Several kinds of records survive from the conflict. Each adds a different layer of understanding to your family history, so it's best to use them in conjunction where possible.
- Army service records: These show an individual's career, including postings, conduct, and sometimes next of kin.
- Medal rolls: The Queen's South Africa Medal and the King's South Africa Medal were issued to most Second Boer War personnel, often with clasps indicating specific battles or campaigns.
- Casualty lists: Published during the war, these include those killed, wounded, missing, or taken prisoner.
- Newspapers: Reports from the front, honour rolls and obituaries can all help bring your ancestor's experiences to life.
- Pension and discharge records: For British army soldiers who were injured or left unable to work, applications for pensions may survive.
Where to search Boer War records online
While the physical records sit in The National Archives at Kew, many Boer War records have been digitised and made searchable via family history websites like Findmypast.
On Findmypast, you'll find Anglo-Boer War medal rolls (1899–1902), casualty records and regimental lists. These are searchable by name, regiment, or service number.
While not strictly military records, historical newspapers can also offer insight into the experiences of the British Army during the Second Boer War. British newspaper titles within Findmypast's archive contain reports of local men departing for South Africa, casualty announcements, and even letters sent home by soldiers. When you conduct a name search within online newspaper archives, you may uncover a poignant glimpse into your ancestor's military service.
If your ancestor came from Ireland or the wider Commonwealth - Australia, Canada, or South Africa itself - check local archives and online collections too.
What can Boer War records reveal?
If your ancestor took part in the Anglo-Boer War, their records could tell you more than just when and where they served. Depending on the source, you may discover:
- Full name, rank and regiment
- Enlistment and discharge dates
- Details of injuries, medals, or honours awarded
- Notes on desertion, capture or imprisonment
- Mentions in despatches or casualty rolls
Beyond military service details, these records can also highlight the social and economic background of those who fought, especially for volunteers from working-class families who otherwise did not leave a paper trail.
Tips for researching Boer War soldiers
- Start with a name and regiment. If you already know your ancestor's regiment, this will make searching much easier. Look for clues in census records and other relevant collections.
- Search for medal rolls. Most men who served in this South African war were entitled to a medal, so if you can't find a service record, the medal rolls are often the best place to start.
- Use newspapers for colour. Local newspapers often reported extensively on hometown heroes, sometimes even printing their letters from the front.
- Check family heirlooms. Medals, photographs, or even postcards can provide vital clues about service dates and regiments.
Uncovering details about your ancestors’ Boer War service can transform them from a name into a vibrant memory - a real person, marching across the veldt or celebrating eventual victory. By piecing together service records, medal entitlements and newspaper accounts, you can build a moving portrait of their role in the 20th century's first major conflict.