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My 2x Great Grandfather, James Walter Juden, served in the Royal Sussex Regiment from 1889 to 1902. I have a copy of his service records. Which I have downloaded from FindMyPast, the images can be found at the bottom of this question.

He spent two years in South Africa between 1900-1902, I know this would have been during The Second Boer Wars, what might he or his unit have been doing there around this time?

A related question. The reason I've split it in to two, is because I'd like two complete answers and users might be experts in one field rather than both.

Source:

(Can also be found on FindMyPast searching 'James Walter Juden', in British Army Service Records 1760-1915)

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    You might find "Two years on trek Being some account of the Royal Sussex Regiment in South Africa" gives you some info. It's a memoir of a Colonel of the Regiment.
    – Steve Bird
    Nov 9, 2015 at 22:21
  • I've actually seen that alot on eBay, they always seem to be very expensive though, I'll message a few local libraries tomorrow. I live in Sussex so it shouldn't be too hard to track down. Thanks for reminding me of that.
    – Danny B
    Nov 9, 2015 at 22:23
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    The e-book I linked to is free.
    – Steve Bird
    Nov 9, 2015 at 22:27
  • This site gives a really basic run-down of the Royal Sussex Regiment's activities in South Africa.
    – Comintern
    Nov 9, 2015 at 23:35
  • @SteveBird Thanks for that, just had a quick skim. It's nice to see things such as "Capt. Aldridge's picket" and then see the signature on the record indicating that my 2xGGF was discharged by a Capt. Aldridge.
    – Danny B
    Nov 10, 2015 at 11:00

1 Answer 1

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The Royal Sussex Regiment Brighton War Memorial notes the following timeline of deaths and activities:

  • Barttelot, Capt. Sir Walter George: killed in action at Retief's Nek, July 23rd, 1900 (1st battalion)

  • Bleach, Pvt. Frank - died at the Hospital, Bloemfontein, of enteric fever, on 14th March 1901.

  • Brookshaw, Pvt. Benjamin A - At Krugersdorp, with Dickinson's column August 1901.

  • Du Moulin, Lt. Col. Louis Eugene - was killed in action at Abrahan's Kraal, near Koffyfontein, January 28th, 1902. In February 1900, it proceeded to South Africa and then took part in the march from Bloemfontein to Pretoria, inclduing the engagements at Welkom Farm, Zand River and Doorn Kop, the occupations of Johannesberg and the engagement at Diamond Hill. Lieutenant du Molin was also present at the engagements round Bethlehem and in the Caledon Valley, and at Keitef's Nek and the surrender of Boer forces at Golden Gate August 1st, 1900. He also took part in the operations around round Thaba N'chu, Winburg, and LIndley, and in the engagements at Bothaville and Ventersburg. At one period of the war he was in command of a column and was mentioned in despatahces [London Gazette July 9th and September 10th, 1901] was promoted lieutenant-colonel and granted the medal with four clasps for his good services.

  • Gaston, Pvt. E. - Died 28 January 1902 at Leeuw River North

  • Maguire, Capt. Charles James Kinahan - killed in action at Diamond Hill, near Pretoria, June 11th, 1900

The U.K. National Archive records for the Royal Sussex Regiment notes the following about its activities during the Boer War:

The South African War, 1899-1902

During the Boer War of 1899-1902 the 1st Battalion was reinforced by the Militia and by three successive companies formed from the Volunteer units of the Regiment. The Royal Sussex Light Infantry Militia, which was first embodied in 1778, was reconstituted as the 3rd Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, in 1881, and served in South Africa from April 1901. The volunteer movement, which can be traced back at least to the Napoleonic War period, was revived in 1859, on fears of war with France, and local corps of rifle volunteers were established in towns throughout the county. The movement was reorganised in 1887 with the formation of the 1st and 2nd Volunteer Battalions, and it became more closely allied to the Regiment. Both battalions supplied drafts for the Volunteer Active Service Companies which were attached to the 1st Battalion, The Royal Sussex Regiment, during the South African War. This was the first time that the Volunteers had fought for their country overseas. During the latter part of the War members of the Royal Sussex contingent were mounted and formed into mobile columns to round up the Boer commandos

Finally, by way of preserving a comment on the question courtesy of @Comintern, here is a basic regimental history for the Royal Sussex during the Second Boer War

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