Expert’s Choice
The Anglo Boer War website ( angloboerwar.com) was created in 2004 by Dr David Biggins, a prolific author on the conflict, and his late brother Chris. The aim of the free-to-use site is to make available information on the Second Boer War (1899–1902) and other conflicts in South Africa between 1779 and 1906, and to provide a forum for discussion about the many aspects of these conflicts.
The website contains large amounts of data, medal records, books, articles and discussion pages, with contributions from experts in various fields of study. I am one of the contributors, but the site is also my first stop when I am conducting research into regimental histories of the battalions (Regular, Militia, Volunteer and Colonial) that took part in the Second Boer War.
The website features a simple-to-use search engine and a myriad of original paperwork extracted from The National Archives at Kew, particularly with regard to the men who were enlisted in South Africa, both locals and others from all around the globe (of which those hailing from Australia, New Zealand, Canada, the UK, the USA and the Scandinavian countries predominate).
David is constantly updating and adding material to this vast resource, which can be used for both a one-off individual research project or a more sustained investigation into a regiment, a battle or the conflict as a whole. I would fully recommend anyone who has an interest in this period to take a look. You might even want to volunteer to contribute yourself, or make a donation towards the cost of running the site.