Royal marine light infantry, battle of South Africa 1979

Posts : 4 Join date : 2022-08-25

Hi all, I have been doing family history and my 3 times great grandfather Thomas Salmon was in the portsmouth division at that time. I have his service record and it states he embarked for South Africa in 1879 Jan to June. I just want to know any more info obout his division and what ship he embarked on. Any info would be great, cheers - Aaron.

Posts : 355 Join date : 2017-02-05 Location : Texas, U.S.A.

Aaron,

Welcome to the forum. Here is a brief timetable of your ancestor’s part while serving in the Battalion of Royal Marines sent to South Africa for special service in the Zulu war, 1879.

In May 1879 Private Thomas Salmon, #32 Company, Portsmouth Division was chosen as one of the Royal Marine Light Infantry to serve in the Marine Battalion to be sent out to South Africa. Private Salmon was assigned to #4 Company of the newly formed battalion

On 4 June those men of the Portsmouth Division, as well as those of the Chatham Division and the Royal Marine Artillery boarded the Royal Navy Troopship HMS Jumna.

On 5 June HMS Jumna stopped at Plymouth where the men of the Plymouth Division boarded, and the ship departed for South Africa.

7 July HMS Jumna arrived at Simon’s Bay South Africa. Before the ship could depart for Durban or Port Durnford orders were issued to remain at Simon’s Bay.

20 July General Sir Garnet Wolseley issued orders for the marines to be returned to England as he no longer felt that their services were needed.

24 July HMS Jumna departed South Africa.

22 August 1879 Private Thomas Salmon arrived back at Portsmouth.

Tom

Posts : 4 Join date : 2022-08-25

Hi Tom, thank you for your reply and the info about Thomas Salmon. You kindly said he was aboard HMS jumna. However, on the service record I have for him it states that he served on Boadicea at the time of the battle of South Africa. Could there be any info regarding him being on H M S Boadicea? Cheers - Aaron.

Posts : 355 Join date : 2017-02-05 Location : Texas, U.S.A.

Aaron,

Thomas Salmon never served aboard HMS Boadicea during the Zulu War. When the Marine Battalion arrived in South Africa all the officers and men were seconded to, and borne on the books of, "Boadicea" which was the flag ship of the Commodore of the Cape of Good Hope and West Coast of Africa station. The Royal Marine Light Infantry were sent ashore at Simon's Bay and quartered in a camp. A short time later the men of the Royal Marine Artillery joined them.

Tom

Posts : 4 Join date : 2022-08-25

Ok, thank you for the info. I'm glad I have the facts about Thomas Salmon's involvement in going to South Africa. I don't suppose you cover the Boar War, Somaliland campaign 1899 - 1904?

Posts : 355 Join date : 2017-02-05 Location : Texas, U.S.A.

Aaron,

Sorry, my interest is in the Royal Navy's and Royal Marine's involvement in the Zulu War.

Tom

Posts : 4 Join date : 2022-08-25

Ok, thanks mate.

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