This series consists of papers relating to individual servicemen who enlisted to serve in the Boer War during 1901 and 1902 (that is, after Federation).
The dossiers contain attestation forms, some medical reports and later correspondence between Central Army Records Office and public enquirers. Some of this correspondence dates from the end of 1984, and the contents date range of the series reflects this.
Some attestations forms appear to be original papers (although it is likely that two identical forms were completed and signed at the time); some are marked "Duplicate" or "Copy" and appear to have been transcribed at or near the time of issue for clerical purposes; and some consist of later photostat copies.
Many forms have pin marks, indicating that they may have been removed from files on bundles of papers. The forms were printed, most on pale green or blue paper headed by the title of the particular unit or State where recruitment was effected. Most have been placed inside brown paper envelopes, one per serviceman, with "Boer War" stamped on the outside and name, attestation number and unit joined written in ink or pencil.
A few items are held within blue Australian Imperial Force folders stamped "More than one period of service". Envelopes, folders and loose papers are arranged lexicographically by surname.
Personal information recorded for individuals includes place of birth, age, nationality, occupation, marital status, next of kin, previous service in South Africa (where applicable), address, religion, height and chest measurements, complexion, eye and hair colour, distinctive marks, and, in some cases, weight.
Some forms of rejected personnel are included in the series.
Original forms bear the signatures of enlistees, witnesses and medical officers, while duplicates and copies are marked "(Sgd.)" in the appropriate places, and names have been transcribed. No extant control records are known, but presumably registers of attestation numbers and other controlling records were kept.
All items in this series have been digitised with the digitised images attached to their National Archives RecordSearch database entry.