These are extracts from National Archives Ref WO 126/98 for the Boer War service records for selected names starting between P and Z for the ORANGE RIVER SCOUTS (NEYLANS ORANGE RIVER IMPERIAL SCOUTS). There were a variety of standard forms and also many sections of the forms were not completed. As a result the details included vary.
transcribed by Rowena Wattrus

Gordon PARKIN
Reg. no. 40419
Religion: C E, Age: 18, Nationality: English, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: Colonial Defence Force for 12 mths
Height: 5 ft 11, Weight: 135 lbs, Chest: 37
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 10 Mar 1902 Port Elizabeth
Mother: Mrs C Parkin, P O Thornhill, via Uitenhage, CC
Single
Born: Uitenhage 22 May 1886 [Document carefully checked as date indicates is 2 years younger than stated]
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 22 days service
Character: Good

Anthony PARKIN
Reg. no. 40418
Religion: C E, Age: 20, Nationality: English, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: Colonial Defence Force for 13 months
Height: 6 ft, Weight: 165 lbs, Chest: 39
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 10 Mar 1902 Port Elizabeth
Brother: L Larkin, c/o Mrs J Sole, Church St, Grahamstown
Single
Born in Bloemfontein 20 Nov 1881
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 22 days service
Character: Good
Address on discharge: as above

Alfred Ernest PARKIN
Reg. no. 40410
Religion: Protestant, Age: 22, Nationality: English, Trade: Clerk
Height: 5 ft 6, Weight: 140 lbs, Chest: 37
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 1 Mar 1902 Port Elizabeth
Sister: Mrs JC Newton, Sunnyside, PO Witt Klip, Van Staadens Pass
Single
Born: Kimberley 6 Aug 1879
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 4 mths service
Character: Good
Address on discharge: As above

Robert PAYNE
Reg. no. 166 (26494)
Age: 21, Nationality: British, Trade: Farmer
Enlisted: 12 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Father: J Payne, Lerbie Basutolant
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 19 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: c/o J Payne, Ficksburg ORC

Isac Petrus POTGIETER
Address: Wolmorans Stad, Transvaal
Enlisted: 23 Feb 1902, Reg. no. 30
Oath of Allegiance: 27 Feb 1902 at Kimberley
Date of Surrender: 27 Feb 1902 at Paardeberg
Wife: Alleto Catrina, No. of children: 6
Nearest relative: Mr Potgieter, Ref Camp Klerksdorp
Relatives on Commando: Brother Condt Potgieter
Property: No fixed Property
Under Commandant served: Potgieter
No previous service with British
Age: 34, Height: 6 ft, Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Fair
EP tattooed on left fore arm

William Joshua PRIOR
Reg. no. 42281
Religion: Protestant, Age: 20, Nationality: Col English, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: B'dorp D M F for 14 months
Height: 5 ft 6, Weight: 130 lbs, Chest: 34
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Dark
Born: Craddock 27 Feb 1882
Enlisted: 12 Mar 1902 Burghersdorp
Father: RC Prior, Essex, Burghersdorp
Single
Rank: Lt Corporal
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths and 19 days service
Character: Very good
Address after discharge: Essex Farm, Burghersdorp, CC

Frank Victor Wallace REID
Religion: C of E, Age: 15, Nationality: English, Trade: -
Previous service: S A M I F for 9 months
Height: 4 ft 6, Weight: 74 lbs
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Brown
Father: William Henry Reid, Wisbeach Mouille Point
Enlisted: 7 Apr 1902 Cape Town
Born: West Kensington, London 17 Dec 1887
Rank: Trumpeter
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 28 days service
Character: Good
Address on discharge: As above

Charles REX
Reg. no. 170 (42104)
Religion: C of E, Age: 27, Nationality: English, Trade: Engine Driver
No previous service
Height: 5 ft 7½, Weight: 160 lbs, Chest: 36½
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Born: Sunderland England 16 Apr 1875
Wife: Mrs A Rex, c/o Mr Dinimy/ Mr Chas Antram, Durban Rd, Cape Town CC
Enlisted: 10 Apr 1902 Green Point
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 21 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: c/o G Gree, Bettreille Hotel, D'Urban Rd, Capetown

Charles Stephen RIELLY
Reg. no 36137
Religion: Wesleyan, Age: 29, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: Cape Police, Nesbitts Horse, C O C Body Guards, Fly Col for 24 months
Height: 6 ft, Weight: 165 lbs, Chest: 37½
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Light
Small scars on right hand side forehead
Wife: Mrs Ida Rielly, c/o Mr ES Rielly, Bodiam, Dist Peddie near East London
Born: Bathurst CC 8 Jul 1872
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 6 days service
Character: Good
Address on discharge: As Above

Walter RITCHIE
Reg. no. 188 (42650)
Religion: C of E, Age: 20, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Boot maker
Previous service: Tembuland Mtd Rifles for 60 months
Height: 5 ft 7, Weight: 148 lbs
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 21 Apr 1902 Umtata
Father: Mr Ritchie
Born: Clarkberry Mission Station Tembuland 9 Apr 1882
Single
Rank: Corporal
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 16 days service
Character: Very Good
Address after discharge: c/o A Ritchie. West Bark, East London

Adam RITCHIE
Reg. no. 41698
Religion: Presbyterian, Age: 35, Nationality: British, Trade: Army
Born: Aliwal North, South Africa 9 Jun 1865
Height: 5 ft 6¾, Weight: 168 lbs, Chest: 36¾, Enlisted: 17 Mar 1902 East London
Wife: Mrs Sheilah Ritchie, Post Office West Bank, East London
Rank: R P M
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 15 days service
Character: Exemplary
Address after discharge: As Above
Reg. Sergeant Major to date from 17 Mar 1902
[Previous service on back of form not transcribed]

Arthur ROBSON
Reg. no. 369 (41318)
Religion: Presbyterian, Age: 20, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Farmer?
Previous service: AFS corps and intell for 13 months
Height: 5 ft 4, Weight: 118 lbs, Chest: 32
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Black, Scar on right side neck?
Born in Boston 22 Jul 1882
Enlisted: 9 May 1902 Grahamstown
Father: J Robson, South End, Port Elizabeth
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 1 mth 23 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: South End, Port Elizabeth

John ROUX
Religion: Dutch Reformed, Age: 19, Nationality: Col Dutch, Trade: Shopkeeper
Height: 5 ft 10, Weight: 136 lbs, Chest: 35
Complexion: Dark, Hair: Dark, Tatoo on left arm
Enlisted: 12 Mar 1902 Burghersdorp
Mother: Mrs D Roux, Burghersdorp
Born: Bedford CC, 12.18.83
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 19 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: Burghersdorp

William RUDGARD
Reg. no. 160 (26499)
Religion: C of E, Age: 23, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Mason
Height: 5 ft 11, Weight: 158 lbs
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Wife: Elizabeth Rudgard, c/o William Hollant Queenstown
Born: Queenstown 24 Dec 1889
Enlisted: 11 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 20 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: Prince Albert St, Queenstown

Arthur SARGENT
Reg. no 244
Nationality: British
Previous service: I M R for 2 months
Born: Dordrecht 1885
Enlisted: 23 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Mother: Queenstown
Single

Henry Moorcroft SARGEANT
Reg. no. 85 (42203)
Religion: C of E, Age: 35, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Carpenter
Previous service: G F Col, Kaff Rifles Transp for 27 months
Height: 5 ft 7½, Weight: 135 lbs, Chest: 33
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Light
Enlisted: 29 Mar 1902 Queenstown
Brother: Gilbert Sergeant, GPO Johannesburg
Single
Born: Queenstown 31 Jan 1866

William Thomas SEARLE
Reg. no. 272 (43123)
Religion: RC, Age: 30, Nationality: Cape Colonial, Trade: Book Keeper
Previous service: S A L Horse for 10½ mths
Height: 5 ft8, Weight: 150 lbs, Chest: 36
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown, Wound in R Calf
Enlisted: 5 May 1902 Green Point
Mother: Mrs J Searle, 9 Jaggersfontein Ave, off Breda St, Cape Town
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 1 mths 27 days service
Character: Good

Edward Thomas SHAW
Reg. no 135 (42094)
Religion: C of E, Age: 30, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Plate layer
Previous Service: O L H for 6 months
Height: 5 ft 7, Weight: 140 lbs, Chest: 36
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 9 Apr 1902 Green Point
Brother: Sydney Shaw, Petersville, via Kimberley
Single
Born: Port Elizabeth 20 Sep 1870
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 22 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: As above

William SHAW
Reg. no. 186 (42648)
Age: 18, Nationality: English, Religion: C of E, Trade: Farmer
Height: 5 ft 4, Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Born: England 1884
Enlisted: 15 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Father: Mr C Astle, Palgrave Farm, nr Queenstown
Single

William SHAW
Reg. no. 26482
Religion: Protestant, Age: 20, Nationality: English, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: T M R 3½ months, C D F 6 mos
Height: 5 ft 5, Weight: 130 lbs, Chest: 33
Complexion: Mid, Eyes: Blue, Hair: L Brown
Enlisted: 14 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Father: (Orphan) Charles Astle, Plagrave Queenstown
Single

Geo B SHIPLEY
Reg. no. 226 (26512)
Religion: Church England, Age: 28, Nationality: English, Trade: Mining Engineer
Previous service: F Fighting Scouts and T M Rifles for 6 and 3 months
Height: 6 ft, Weight: 14 stone, Chest: 39
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 19 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Father: Mr Shipley, PO Box 2259, Johannesburg
Single
Born: Durham England 6 Mar 1875

Charles Smith SPALDING
Reg. no. 26502
Age: 44, Nationality: English
Enlisted: 15 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Daughter: Elizabeth Spalding, Fort Jackson, East London
Pencil cross put through form

Herbert Hewey SPARKS
Reg. no. 26495
Religion: I, Age: 25, Nationality: English, Trade: Butcher
Previous service: Queenstown Rifle Volunteers for 12 months
Height: 5 ft 8, Weight: 160 lbs, Chest: 40
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 14 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Mother: Mrs WH Sparks, Adelade, South Africa/ Queenstown
Single

James Charles SPRATT
Reg. no. 42187
Religion: C of E, Age: 21, Nationality: English, Trade: Labourer
Previous service: SALH for 6 months
Height: 5 ft 8, Weight: 160 lbs, Chest: 38
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: L Brown, Flowers R forearm
Enlisted: 1 Apr 1902 Green point
Brother: Henry Spratt, Original Crown Hotel, Cape Town
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 months service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: 18 Elfick St, Canningtown, London
Born in London 11 Jan 1882

Charles William SPRING
Religion: E C, Age: 18, Nationality: English, Trade: Trader
Previous service: Clarks Light Horse for 10 months
Height: 6 ft, Weight: 142 lbs, Chest: 35
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 16 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Mother: Mrs T? Spring, Engerts CC
Single

James Frank STORRIER
Reg. no. 244 (43097)
Religion: R C, Age: 20, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Clerk
Previous service: Brab H. 6 mths, SDMT for 3½ months
Height: 5 ft 10, Weight: 126 lbs, Chest: 33
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Grey, Hair: L Brown
Enlisted: 30 Apr 1902 Green Point
Mother: Mrs A Storrier, 2 Drackrow St, Cape Town
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 1 day service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: c/o Constance Villa, Woodstock, Cape Town

George SWEETMAN
Reg. no. 237 (26516)
Age: 17, Nationality: English
Previous service: G F O and I M R for total 16 months
Height: 5 ft 7, Weight: 126 lbs, Chest: 34
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Fair
Born: Durban 15 Feb 1885
Enlisted: 21 Apr 1902 Queenstown
Father and Mother: Mrs Sweetman, Johannesburg
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 10 days
Character: Good
Address after discharge: GPO Queenstown CC

Bartholomew James VAN DE VYVER
Reg. no. 42222
Religion: Dutch Reformed, Age: 20, Nationality: Dutch
Height: 6 ft, Weight: 155 lbs, Chest: 36
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Fair
Enlisted: 18 Mar 1902 Burghersdorp
Father: Mr William Van De Vyver, Venterstad
Single
Born: Adelaid CC 16 Nov 1881
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 14 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: Venterstad, CC

William Albert VICKERMAN
Reg. no. 169 (42102)
Religion: R C, Age: 20, Nationality: Irish, Trade: None
Previous service: P W L H 6 m Len H for 3 months
Height: 5 ft 4, Weight: 140 lbs, Chest: 34
Complexion: Medium, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown, Scar on left f arm
Enlisted: 10 Apr 1902 Green Point
Born: Carlow Ireland 3 Aug 1883
Father: Mr WA Vickerman, Classenbosh, Constantia, Cape Town
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 2 mths 21 days
Character: Good
Address after discharge: As above

Schalk Willem VORSTER
Religion: D R, Age: 25, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Policeman
Previous service: Cape Police for 3 years
Height: 5 ft 6, Weight: 150 lbs, Chest: 37
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Hazel, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 26 Mar 1902 Middelburg
Sister: Mrs Hammerslna?, Middelburg, Cape
Single
Born: Middelburg 9 Aug 1877
Rank: Corporal
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 6 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: 65 Van Reek St, Johannesburg

James WARD
Reg. no. 40411
Religion: Protestant, Age: 36, Nationality: English, Trade: Blacksmith
Height: 5 ft 10, Weight: 200 lbs, Chest: 40
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 7 Mar 1902 Port Elizabeth
Sister: Miss M Ward, Hillside Cottage, St Patrick's Rd, Port Elizabeth
Single
Born: Willowmore EP, 25 Jan 1866
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902
Character: Good
Address after discharge: As above

Victor John WARREN
Reg. no. 41697
Religion: C of E, Age: 26, Nationality: British, Trade: Farmer
No previous service
Height: 5 ft 7, Weight: 135 lbs, Chest: 32
Complexion: Sallow, Eyes: Grey, Hair: Brown
Born in Warrendale near East London 27 Jun 1871
Enlisted: 12 Mar 1902 East London
Father: Mr TH Warren, Warrendol near East London
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 months 20 days service
Character: Good
Address after discharge: As above

James Richard Harry WATSON
Reg. no. 42641
Religion: C of E, Age: 26, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: C D F for 10 months
Enlisted as Full sergeant
Height: 5 ft 8¼, Weight: 160 lbs
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Dark
Born: Grahamstown 21 Jul 1876
Enlisted: 25 Feb 1902 Burghersdorp
Mother: Mrs Watson, Hill St, Grahamstown
Insured for Ł500 with Colonial Mutual
Single
Transferred to Intelligence

Gert Jacobus WELGEMOT
Reg. no 90 (42208)
Religion: DR, Age: 36, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Mason
Previous service: Q M I for 4 months
Height: 5 ft 10, Weight: 160 lbs, Chest: 37
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 5 Mar 1902 Tarkastad
Wife: Mrs Elizabeth Jacobina? Welgemot, Tarkastad
Born in Cradock 17 Apr 1866

Lawrence WHITEHEAD
Reg. no. 165
Religion: Scotch Presb, Age: 17, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Farmer
Height: 5 ft 4, Weight: 95
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Brown
Born: Tarkastad 6 Apr 1902
Father: GA Whitehead, Tarkastad
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 2 mths 25 days service
Character: Good

Douglas WHITEHEAD
Religion: C of E, Age: 19
Previous service: D M R for 4 months
Height: 5 ft 9, Weight: 152 lbs, Chest: 37
Complexion: Dark, Eyes: Dark
Enlisted: 2 Apr 1902
Mother: Maria Whitehead, Tarkastad
Single
Born: Tarkastad 20 Jan 1884
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902

George Alex WHITEHEAD
Religion: Presbyterian, Age: 21, Nationality: Scotch, Trade: Farmer
Previous service: Special Police, Tarkastad and W M R 5 and 6 Months resp.
Height: 5 ft 10, Weight: 130 lbs, Chest: 33
Complexion: Fair, Eyes: Brown, Hair: Black
Enlisted: 5 Mar 1902 Tarkastad
Father: Geo Alex Whitehead, Tarkastad
Single
Rank: Trooper
Discharged on disbandment of regiment 30 Jun 1902 after 3 mths 27 days
Character: Good
Address after discharge: Tarkastad
Born in Tarkastad 1 May 1881

Arthur John WRIGHT
Reg. no. 42196
Religion: Wesleyan, Age: 25, Nationality: Colonial, Trade: Clerk
Previous Service: Western Province Mtd Rifles 4 mths, Gorringes Flying Column 11 months
Height: 5 ft 9, Weight: 176 lbs, Chest: 39
Complexion: Fresh, Eyes: Blue, Hair: Brown
Enlisted: 22 Mar 1902 Middelburg, Cape
Father: A Wright, Address: G Reys, Cape Town
Single
Born: Grahamstown 21 Apr 1877