4th Militia Battalion = 6th Battalion = 6/Manchesters?

[John W]

I have read that following the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War in 1899 two additional Line Battalions were raised and numbered 3rd and 4th Battalions. On 1st March 1900 these two Militia Battalions were renumbered 5th and 6th Battalions. Was the 6th Battalion also known as the 6/Manchesters? I am trying to trace my GGrandfathers movemnents and it is rather tricky. I know that he went to S Africa, as did the 6th Bn and the 6/Manchesters but are they all the same battalion by different names?

Many thanks,
John

[harribobs]

I have read that following the outbreak of the Anglo Boer War in 1899 two additional Line Battalions were raised and numbered 3rd and 4th Battalions.

that is correct!

On 1st March 1900 these two Militia Battalions were renumbered 5th and 6th Battalions.

no, the militia battalions were seperate units, the 3rd and fourth battalions served in south africa and were broke up in 1906  (with we have recently learned nearly 200 men going to join the Royal Canadian Regiment)

Was the 6th Battalion also known as the 6/Manchesters?

no, under the haldane reforms in 1908

the 6th Volunteer battalion became the 10th Territorial Force battalion (oldham)

the the 2nd Volunteer Battalion became the 6th Territorial Force battalion (hulme)

does this help or have i confused you more?

chris

[John W]

does this help or have i confused you more?

chris
[/quote]

Hi Chris,
Yes! My ggrandfather enlisted as 8285 with the militia - see prev. attachment. He then went to SA with the 6th Bn. I therefore assumed that the two extra line bns were renumbered from 3 & 4 to 5 & 6. His service record (see att) states that he went to SA with the 6th Bn., hence my confusion. I have also found a website which lists the 6/Manchesters as going to SA at the same time as his 6th Bn. Here's the shipping register link: http://hometown.aol.co.uk/heatherasplin/bwsl02.html

[harribobs]

don't confuse the militia battalion with the volunteer battalion, they were seperate units