I believe that a knowledge of history and of one's roots enables a person to  understand more about themselves and the events that have shaped their own and their  family's lives. I have been interested in my family heritage for a long time and, now  I have the time, I am able to investigate and tell the stories of some of the people  who are my ancestors. I have a deep curiosity about my ancestors and want to dicsover  and tell their stories. 
 Many of them came to South Africa from Great Britain as members of different 1820  Settler parties but why they came and what their British histories are is something  of a mystery. I would love to know what drove people to come to an unknown and harsh  land and how they felt. Many were extremely poor and unemployed after the Napoleonic  Wars but that can only be part of their stories. That they were extremely courageous  goes without saying. When I look at the roles played by their descendents I am filled  with respect for their pioneering spirit and their determination to make new lives  for themselves.

Other ancestors, my father's family in particular, were part of the British Army sent  to the Cape Colony to protect citizens and settlers. I know very little about them.  My paternal grandfather, Major Edward George Smith, was the son of George Smith and  Hermina Elizabeth Berry.I know my paternal grandmother, Edith Kate Sutton, was born  in Colchester, England on the 13 July 1874..Her birth is recorded in British Army  records. Her father, Samuel Sutton, was an Armourer Sergeant in the 2/10th Regiment.  Her mother's name is given as Emily formerly Morgan. She had a brother, Samuel, who  was confirmed at St Paul's Church, Malta, by the Bishop of Gibraltar on the 26  November, 1878 and 
 admitted to Holy Communion at St Margaret's Chapel, Malta, by W M Milner, Deacon 12th  Chaplain to the Forces - 2/10th Regiment. Both paternal grandparents came from  military families but, other than that, I know very little about them.