Peacekeeping 1881 - 1885?

Hello,
I'm hoping some of you knowledgeable people can help me with my information search.

In my ancestry research I have come across a gg grandfather, Patrick Gallagher Service No. 1189, Drummer, 58th Btn, 91st Highlanders. His military records show he was stationed in South Africa from 30 Sep 1881 to 3 Nov 1885. He was in Cape Town and later (around 1883) was in Pietermaritzburg, Natal. He had two children while living in South Africa. From another post on this site, I've found the answer to my first questions which was - was it common for women and children to accompany soldiers to their postings (and if anyone has any further information on this subject, I would love to have it).

My remaining question though is - what were the 91st Highlanders doing there during that time? Obviously he was not 'in country' for the 1879 war and was sent later. Was he there for peacekeeping duties? What would have their duties been during that time?

The other question was - is there any chance he saw any real action or other traumatizing events while he was there during that time period? The reason I ask is because 20 years later he committed suicide in dramatic fashion (was decapitated after purposely laying down in front of a train). He was in the 91st for over 20 years, serving from 1868 to 1891 and this is the only history of the regiment that I can find that he may have had experiences that 'may' (and it really could have been anything) have caused such a depressed state.

Any information on the 91st's duties etc. during that time period would very much be appreciated.

The Only Major battle was on the 2nd April 1879 - 91st present at Gingindlovu.

Hi minea99

Firstly welcome to the forum.

For further information on your gg grandfather's regiment, you can contact thier Museum.
They have always been very helpful when I have contacted them.

The Regimental Museum of The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders
The Castle
Stirling
FK8 1EH
Scotland
UK
01786 475165