Portraits of Queensland soldiers who fought in the South African War (1899-1902), often known as the Boer War, were published in the weekly newspaper The Queenslander, often just prior to their departure for South Africa. For family historians, and anyone interested in researching this conflict, finding these portraits has now become easier.
Captain Charles George Gehrmann, Commander of No. 2 Company 5th Contingent Queensland Imperial Bushmen, Boer War, 1901. Published in The Queenslander, 16 May 1901, page 513 [full view]
An index of just under 3000 soldiers is now searchable through One Search, the library catalogue and links directly through to the digitised page of the newspaper on which the portrait appears. As well as the photographs, sometimes information about the next of kin of the soldier was published in the newspaper, which can provide valuable information for family history researchers.
Officers of the 4th Queensland Contingent, returned from the Boer War, 1901. Lieutenant Colin Philp is seated at front left, and Lieutenant Campbell Cowley is standing at rear right. Both officers returned to South Africa as reinforcements to the 6th Contingent in September 1901. Digitised from an image in The Queenslander, 10 August 1901, page 271
This index is one of many that staff and hard working volunteers have created to provide simpler access to some of the library's resources. You can find more in the Family History resources pages of the SLQ website.
Do you have a Boer War soldier in your family? We'd love to hear your stories of finding their portrait in The Queenslander.
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