Cape Infantry circa 1883

In another post I mentioned WJ Montgomery who served with the 1/13th against Sekhukhune and at Khambula and Ulundi. This worthy took his discharge on 13 May 1882 and joined the ranks of the Cape Infantry.

"Does anyone know anything about the "Cape Infantry" at this period? I have done a google search and there is little to no information on them at all.

Any assistance would be appreciated.

Regards

Rory

Cape Town Rifles (Dukes)

Formed as a volunteer corps in 1855. Served in the 9th Frontier War (1877–78), the Transkei (1879), and the Basutoland Gun War (1880–81). Served in the Bechuanaland Campaign (1897). Served in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Awarded a King's Colour in 1904. Embodied in the Citizen Force of the Union Defence Forces in 1913. In World War I, served in the German South West Africa Campaign (1915). The Earl of Athlone was colonel-in-chief 1930-57. In World War II, served in the East Africa Campaign (1940–41), the North Africa Campaign (1941–42), and the Italy Campaign (1945). Granted the Freedom of the City of Cape Town in 1967. Served in the Border War (1977–89), and the State of Emergency (1985–90).[1][2]
Cape Town Highlanders[edit]

Main article: Cape Town Highlanders Regiment

Formed as a volunteer corps in 1885. Served in the Bechuanaland Campaign (1897). Served in the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902). Awarded a King's Colour in 1904. The Duke of Connaught was colonel-in-chief 1908-42. Embodied in the Citizen Force of the Union Defence Forces in 1913. In World War I, served in the German South West Africa Campaign (1915). In World War II, served in the North Africa Campaign (1941–43) and the Italy Campaign (1944–45). Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother was colonel-in-chief 1948-61. Granted the Freedom of the City of Cape Town in 1967. Served in the Angola Campaign (1976), the Border War (1977-89), and the State of Emergency (1985–90).[3][5]
Cape Town Highlanders[edit]

Thanks Frank but were the Cape Town Rifles the same outfit as the Cape Infantry?

A bit more searching nd I found this
Document 5 of 29
DEPOT KAB
SOURCE GH
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 1/418
SYSTEM 00
REFERENCE 85
PART 1
DESCRIPTION PAPERS RECEIVED FROM SECRETARY OF STATE, LONDON: GENERAL
DESPATCHES.REDUCED POSTAGE AS REGARDS CAPE FIELD ARTILLERY AND CAPE
INFANTRY.
STARTING 1882
ENDING 1882

I wonder if he fought in Egypt?
Document 9 of 29
DEPOT KAB
SOURCE GH
TYPE LEER
VOLUME_NO 23/38
SYSTEM 01
REFERENCE 177
PART 1
DESCRIPTION GENERAL DESPATCHES. FORWARDING CAPE INFANTRY CLAIMS TO WAR MEDALS
FOR EGYPT.
STARTING 18830000
ENDING 18830000

Cam Simpson is probably the best forum member to chat to. Hes just completed a book on the volunteer forces, a wealth of information. Hes not in Cape Town at the moment so I cant phone him but drop him a pm or e mail.

I got this reply back from Cam

Cam wrote:

Yep I've got records of them. They were raised from imperial reserves in 83 and were disbanded in 86. Only a few colonials served in the ranks but almost all the officers had colonial service. They were raised for service in the Transkei and one Detachment at Kimberly. A lot of them went to the CMR when the CIR disbanded. Wools-sampson was one of the officers. There was a lot of Afghanistan veterans in the ranks actually having been recruited in London.

The man is a font of information

I'm the first on the list to buy the book when it comes out. Ive already seen the content, the Colonial equivalent to The Nobel 24th and Englands sons.

Cheers

Hi Frank
I'll be placing myself on that list as well , as will a few more I expect ?
Cheers 90th

Well worth it Gary. I had lunch with Cam a couple of weeks ago and was fortunate to be given a look at the master copy. its very extensive.

That's great , looking forward to another book on the Colonial Forces from the AZW .
Cheers 90th