British Army Death South Africa 1861

[Richard]

Hello Everyone

Have been researching my great uncle for a while. Have recently found out he went out to South Africa in 1851 to fight in the '8th Kaffir War' with the 74th Highlanders. When the war ended the regiment moved on to India but he remained in the Cape transferring to the Cape Mounted Rifles to facilitate this. He died there in service around August 1861 near the border of Cape Colony at Fish River. This info comes from his intestate will in Aberdeen (Nov 1862).

Now question is would he have a death certificate, and if so where and how to view it? He doesn't appear to have one in Scotland. Would there be one in South Africa for a British soldier who died in service there, or were there special arrangements?

Any help much appreciated.

Thanks

[naomiatt]

Hi Richard - not sure about your question, but I wonder if it's worth an e mail to the http://www.national.archives.gov.za/...t_info.htm#top
NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS SERVICE OF SOUTH AFRICA
also, there are British Army Overseas Records (BAOR) - this site says -
"From here you can easily order an official Overseas UK Death Certificate. We can supply any certificate generated between 1837 and 2006. Deaths are those recorded in the Offical Overseas Deaths Records, Consular Deaths Records, High Commission Death Registry and British Army Overseas Records (BAOR). **You should however bear in mind that there is no obligation for the death to be recorded with the UK authorities as well as the in-country authorities. This may result in the record only being available from the overseas authority***" http://www.vitalcertificates.co.uk/o...icate-33-p.asp
GRO says http://www.gro.gov.uk/gro/content/ce...s-overseas.asp
and http://www.familyrelatives.com/infor...ail.php?id=100 -
Browsing GRO Overseas Records 1761-1994 for FREE
I think there might be info on FMP as well

[Richard]

Thanks Naomiatt, if nobody knows will fire off an email to them and see if they do.

[naomiatt]

Ok - as much as there seems to be possibly information available, it's not very specific is it...closest seems to be the British Army Overseas Records.

[Elaine ..Spain]

Overseas BMDs can be viewed on Family Relatives (free) or Findmypast (sub or pay as you go)

Family Relatives
Find myPast

Once you find the entry you can order the certificate from the GRO in the normal way - cost 7 pounds

[Richard]

Thanks for the info Naomiatt & Elaine.