99th Duke of Edinburgh's Regiment 1877-1879

Whilst researching my family tree I have found a record that my wife's Great-Grandfather served in the 99th Duke of Edinburgh's Regiment in South Africa between 1877 and 1879. Can anyone suggest what the regiment's role was during that time and where we can find any further information. Thanks.

Hi Eugene Ahern

Welcome to the forum.

Your wife's Great-Grandfather, do you have a name?

The 99th were assigned to Lord Chelmsford's column, they marched to the relief of British forces under Colonel Charles Pearson besieged by the Zulu impis. At the Battle of Gingindlovu, the 99th helped defeat a Zulu impis which tried to overrun the British while laagered. Although it would not participate in the final battle at Ulundi, the 99th was honoured for its service in Anglo-Zulu War, being awarded the battle honour South Africa 1879.

Thanks for the info. My wife's Great-Grandfather was Albert Blandy Shaylor (1860-1910). We've also found records that he was a Chelsea Pensioner.

Hi Eugene
Albert Blandy Shaylor is on the Forsyth Medal Roll ... Private A.B.Shaylor Regimental No 1032 99th Regt , entitled to Medal with the Clasp 1879 .
90th

Eugene,

Do not be confused. There were two types of Chelsea Pensioners (1) Those retired soldiers actually residing at RH Chelsea - known as In-Pensioners or, (2) Those who resided as home with their families but received an army pension paid by RH Chelsea (known as Out-Pensioners). The vast majority of army pensioners were in the Out-Pension category. Of course during their retirement a number of Out-Pensioners were selected to become In-Pensioners and live at the RH. Service records of Out-Pensioners if they have survived are held in the National Archives at Kew in series WO97. RH Chelsea archives only have details of the men’s time as In-Pensioners.