South African War, 1899 to 1902
Service files, medals and land applications
Around 7,300 Canadians served in the South African War, also known as the Boer War. This index contains information from service files, medal registers, and land grand applications.
On this page
Search tips
- Try searching by last name only. Some entries list only an initial instead of a full first name.
- If you don’t know the regiment or regimental number, leave those fields blank.
About the records
This collection indexes records from the following files. Some records include digitized images, while others must be consulted separately.
Service files
There are 5,935 service files for volunteers who served with the Canadian Contingents (RG38, volumes 1–116, microfilm T-2060-T-2090). They mostly contain documents relating to enlistment, service history, and discharge.
These files are digitized.
Medal registers
The Queen's South Africa Medal was awarded to soldiers who saw active service between October 11, 1899 and May 31, 1902. Registers of Canadian recipients are held in RG9-II-A-5, volumes 13–15 (microfilm C-1863).
The registers show clasp (bar) entitlements, which indicate the locations where an individual served. In some cases, individual entries do not contain the regiment name. The registers are digitized.
This collection does not include:
- Medals for members of the 3rd, 4th, 5th and 6th Canadian Mounted Rifles. These units arrived in South Africa after the end of hostilities.
- Registers for the King's South Africa Medal. These are held in the United Kingdom’s National Archives (under War Office 100: Campaign medal and award rolls).
Land grant applications
Under the Volunteer Bounty Act of 1908, veterans of the South African War were entitled to 320 acres of Dominion Land. These records are found in RG38, volumes 117–136 (grant numbers 1 to 7370).
The applications are two-page forms that typically include:
- Name of the applicant
- Place of residence
- Summary of military service
Some of these applications are from veterans who served with British regiments or the South African Constabulary.
South African Constabulary: Nominal roll
The South African Constabulary (SAC) was established by the British to maintain order in the Orange River Colony and the Transvaal following the war.
A total of 1,248 Canadians served in the SAC. Because they were not recruited or paid by the Canadian government, relatively few Canadian records exist. A nominal roll is available that includes the individual’s name, SAC number, previous regiment, and date of enlistment (RG24, volume 6562, file HQ-903-1).
We don’t have the service files for the South African Constabulary. Those files are held in the National Archives of South Africa.
Other places to look
Canadian Scouts: Nominal roll
The Canadian Scouts were a British scout unit, referred to as Howard's Scouts in recognition of their commander, Major Arthur L. “Gat” Howard (RG9-II-A-1, volume 340, file 20142). No service files for the Canadian Scouts have been located.
British Forces
Some Canadians enlisted with the British Forces. We don’t have the service files for individuals who enlisted with British units. Those files are held in the United Kingdom’s National Archives.
Access the records
Many of the records are digitized, with the exception of the land grant applications and the South African Constabulary nominal roll.
To consult non-digitized records, you will need to visit in person. If are unable to visit us in person, you may order copies, using the exact page numbers provided in the database.