trouble identifying uniform - by: lah84

April 21, 2016, 6:44 am

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Hello,
My nan gave me this photo of her grandad Arthur Hill years ago. She's written on the back ? Boer War. Does anyone recognise it as a Boer War era uniform, and even better can the cap badge be placed?
Many thanks.

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Geneolgy - by: lah84

April 21, 2016, 6:48 am

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I came across an old photo of my grandmothers which had the handwritten description ?Boer war on the back. She says its her grandad. I remember her telling me stories of an uncle who fought as well so I am unravelling the mysteries.

Highland Light Infantry memorial, Glasgow - by: BereniceUK

April 21, 2016, 7:22 am

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Sculptor: William Birnie Rhind (1853-1933).
Location: Kelvingrove Park, at the east end of the Prince of Wales Bridge.
Date unveiled: 28 September, 1906.

Dedicated to the officers, 127 non-commissioned officers and men of Glasgow's Highland Light Infantry who were killed or died of disease during the South African War (Boer War) of 1899-1902, the memorial was one of a number commissioned from Birnie Rhind by Scottish regiments after the cessation of hostilities.

Carved in sandstone, the statue represents a trooper on scouting duty and displays all the skill and meticulous attention to detail which characterised the sculptors work. In his posing of the figure he vividly suggests tension and weariness as if the trooper, whilst taking a breather, has been alerted by the sound of an approaching Boer Commando. With his gaze fixed on the horizon, and with every muscle tensed, he twists his body in reaching for the rifle which lies behind him (now merely a fragment).

The model for the soldier was one of Birnie Rhind's assistants, Peter Tainsh-Hardie, whose portrait was used for Rhind's Boer War memorials in Edinburgh including, the Black Watch, King's Own Scottish Borderers and Scots Greys.

Paid for by subscriptions from rifle brigades throughout Scotland, the monument was erected under the supervision of A B McDonald , the City Engineer, and James Whitton, the Superintendent of Parks, on behalf of Glasgow Corporation who paid for the pedestal and site.

The unveiling was performed by Field Marshall The Duke of Connaught, the regiment's Colonel-in-Chief, on 28th September, 1906, with the 2nd Battalion of the regiment forming a Guard of Honour.

http://w ww.glasgowsculpture.com/pg_images.php?sub=highland_light

Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders' uniform - by: pjac49

April 21, 2016, 2:11 pm

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This may be of interest, particularly to those with deep pockets!

alliedandaxismilitaria.co.uk

Patrick

2,000 posts for Brett - by: djb

April 21, 2016, 11:46 pm

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On behalf of the many members of the forum who have gained from your knowledge and wisdom, I wanted to thank you for your immense support for the forum. You were one of the first members to post in the forum back in 2010 and have been a stalwart contributor ever since.

Many, many thanks Brett.

John Young of the Imperial Light Horse - by: Rory

April 23, 2016, 11:40 pm

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John Young

Sergeant, 2nd Battalion, Imperial Light Horse – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 to 1315 Sjt. J. YOUNG, IMP. LT. HORSE

John Young was born in Kirriemuir, Forfarshire, Scotland in about 1877 the son of John Craik Young a Factory Linen Warper and his wife Mary Lindsay.

The 1881 Scotland census reveals that a 4 year old John was living with his parents in the Wellgate area of Kirriemuir and that he had two sisters Annie (12) and Margaret (10)

At the time of the 1891 Scotland census the picture had altered somewhat. John, now a lad of 14, was already employed as a Flax and Jute Winder and was a Boarder in the house of Mr William Storrier at 20 South Street in Forfar. Depressingly, so too were his two sisters with Ann now 22 and Margaret 20 – indicative of the fact that the family had perhaps fallen on hard times.

The Scotland census of 1901 revealed further that John, now a Jute Mill Overseer aged 24 had moved back in with his parents who had moved to 6 Melrose Terrace in Dundee. It was almost a reunion of sorts with his two older sisters back at home and, ominously perhaps, not yet married at the ages of 32 and 30 respectively. Together with younger siblings Betsy (17) David (15) and Frederick (13)

Quite what decided Young to emigrate to South Africa we will never know – possibly it was a sense of adventure? The Boer War had been raging since October 1899 with no immediate end in sight and there was always an opportunity for a young man to slake his thirst for action by joining one of the many Colonial outfits that had been raised with the objective of assisting the Regular British Army chaps.

Whatever the case may be Young made his way south and, on 4 February 1902 enlisted with the 2nd Battalion of the by now famous Imperial Light Horse for service at Grahamstown in the Eastern Cape. His Attestation form revealed that he was a Scotsman aged 24 and, surprisingly, a Baker by occupation (one doesn’t know what happened to the Jute Overseer job) he had previous service of 6 months with the 3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Royal Highlanders and was a Presbyterian by way of religious persuasion.

Physically he was 5 feet 4 inches in height, weighed 130 pounds and had a dark complexion, blue eyes and dark hair. He provided his mother Mrs Mary Young of 6 Melrose Terrace, Dundee, Scotland as his next of kin and confirmed that he was insured for £10 with the Prudential Assurance Company. (This raises an interesting question as to whether active service would have been covered by the policy in the event of his death). He was also single.

Since taking the field the 2nd ILH had been almost wholly employed in the Eastern Transvaal, where they had done good work under Major-General Smith-Dorrien, Major-General F. W. Kitchener, and other leaders. They had fighting on many occasions and sometimes losses.

In his Despatches of 8th March and 8th April Lord Kitchener described the great combined drives in the north east of the Orange River Colony, in which a large number of prisoners, over 1500, were captured. The work of the ILH was specially singled out in the account of the Press Association correspondent. They stopped one very determined rush, when the enemy tried, in the darkness, to break through the line at their part.

In the despatch of 1st June 1902 Lord Kitchener details the operations undertaken in the Western Transvaal to clear that district after the disasters suffered by Lord Methuen. Troops were taken from "other districts, and the ILH recrossed the Vaal. On 11th April Colonel Kekewich had heavy fighting. Soon after starting in the morning the advance guard under Von Donop was attacked: the enemy "advanced rapidly to close quarters in very compact formation, the Boers riding knee to knee, and in many places in two ranks, whilst their attack was supported by a heavy fire from skirmishers on both flanks. Many of the men of our advanced screen in forward positions were ridden over by the enemy, who pressed on rapidly to within 700 yards of the main body and convoys, keeping up an incessant magazine-rifle fire from their horses as they approached.

Here, however, they were checked by Lieutenant Colonel Greenfell's troops which were at the head of the main body, the Scottish Horse, 5th IY, and South African Constabulary dismounting and moving forward steadily on foot to meet the coming charge. This was the crisis of the fight, and it was one which terminated quickly with the complete repulse of the Boers and the death of their Commandant, Potgieter, who was conspicuous in leading the attack until he fell, only 90 yards in front of our troops. So far, however, it was only a repulse, but the arrival of Lieutenant Colonel Briggs with the ILH, detached upon the enemy's right flank from Sir H.Rawlinson's force, turned the repulse into a rout". Colonel Briggs, hearing the heavy firing, of his own initiative took the ILH to the scene of the action. Fifty-one dead and 40 wounded Boers were found on the ground, and in the subsequent pursuit by the 1st ILH and troops of Colonel Kekewich two 15-pounder guns, one pom-pom, some vehicles, ammunition, and 36 unwounded prisoners were captured.

Further successful drives took place in the south west Transvaal in which the ILH were engaged.

As can be seen Young and his comrades were kept busy. He took his discharge from the I.L.H. on 24 June 1902 – some 3 weeks after the surrender had been declared. For his efforts he had been promoted to the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the Queens Medal with clasps Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1902.

Young’s movements after the war are not a matter of public record but we do know that, like so many others of his era, he wasn’t destined to live a long life. The Transvaal Archives house his estate file revealing that he passed away on 2 September 1913 at “Rockingham” in Sabie in the Lydenburg district of the Eastern Transvaal. His age is estimated at 35 and no one seems to have known much about him other than that he was a Mine Owner and was unmarried. His Last Will and Testament, signed on the day of his death (suggesting that it was through illness and not a sudden one) bequeathed all his worldly goods to his sister Margaret who was still living in Scotland.

Glynn’s Lydenburg Gold Mine was the largest in the Sabie/Pilgrim’s Rest area and Young owned a considerable number of shares in the mine which translated into a sizable estate of £950.

Single KSA medals - by: Henk Loots

April 24, 2016, 2:39 am

≫ Next: Help with uniform ID. - by: Terrykath

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Hi
Single KSA medals are usually not prominent on the “favourites list” of medal collectors.
However, I would like to open a new topic to show that some examples, when suitably researched, can be highly collectable

• KSA, 2 bars SA’01, SA’02: 3125 Pte. W. Jones. Glouc: Regt.
On p185 of “Our Regiments in South Africa” by J Stirling, a “generally very reliable” War Correspondent is quoted:
“Last Monday night (19th) a brilliant piece of work was performed by the Gloucesters. During the afternoon they approached within a short distance of a Boer kopje and contained the enemy until nightfall, when 120 men charged the kopje with bayonets and drove off the Boers with loss, bayonetting several.”
Pte Jones was one of 20 men wounded in this action at Paardeberg on 19 February 1900. They also lost 5 men killed.
Jones’ wound obviously healed successfully: although he was not in action with his Regiment at Driefontein on 10 March 1900, he did receive a QSA with bars Paardeberg, Relief of Kimberley and Transvaal

• KSA, 2 bars SA’01, SA’02: 3626 Corpl: B. Knowles, Rl: Scots Fus
On 27 August 1901, near Alkmaar, Pte B Knowles and Pte W Galon were part of the garrison of a blockhouse consisting of seven men in the vicinity of a train derailed and attacked by the enemy. They volunteered to go out and defend the train, which they did, and kept the enemy off till support arrived. (London Gazette, 3 December 1901, p8548).
Both men were promoted Corporal by the Commander-in-Chief.
Pte Knowles was wounded at Pieters Hill on 27 Feb 1900 and died of disease at Ermelo on 25 March 1902.
His QSA had 5 bars: CC, TugH, OFS, RoL & Tvl

Henk

Help with uniform ID. - by: Terrykath

April 24, 2016, 8:22 am

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Hi,

I have a photo of my grandad in a uniform we cannot identify.

It has been suggested it is a Boer war period uniform.

Any help with identification would be really helpful.

Thanks

Terry

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New Member - by: Scotsmob

April 24, 2016, 5:52 pm

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Goodafternoon everyone, Im researching my maternal Grandfather Vincent Hardy Priestley and his family in hunslet Yorkshire. I live on the east coast of the north island of New Zealand.

Private Anthony Tayleur, 7th Leicestershire Coy, IY - by: BereniceUK

April 25, 2016, 12:34 pm

≫ Next: Baden Powells Christmas 1902 Gift to the South African Constabulary - by: Baden Powell

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In St John's Episcopal Church, Dumfries, Scotland.

This plaque is on the right of the four in the photo below. The other three also commemorate deaths in South Africa.

Baden Powells Christmas 1902 Gift to the South African Constabulary - by: Baden Powell

April 25, 2016, 3:07 pm

≫ Next: Records - 5th lancers - farrier sergeant - by: Ems

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For years I have owned a small pocket notebook with a thin pencil inserted in the spine. Embossed in gold print on the black pebbled leather cover is SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY and inside of the cover is written " With Best Wishes from R Baden Powell Xmas : 1902" . A signature inside is Edward B. Terry. The notebook is otherwise blank. I note an E. Terry listed on the SAC Roll. Comments Please. Any more out there?

Records - 5th lancers - farrier sergeant - by: Ems

April 26, 2016, 3:17 am

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Hi,

I'm researching my great great grandfather, who died during the Boer War in February 1900.
I believe he died at Ladysmith - and cause of death has been given as disease.

His name was Henry Stewart - 2723 - and he was a staff sergeant farrier in the 5th Lancers.

I've previously found his name on medal rolls and on a plaque in Dublin.

Now, I'm looking for his service record which I believe may not exist.

So I was wondering what exactly is recorded on the death records from the Boer War.
Would it give any details about age at death? Or place of birth?

Currently I don't know where or exactly when Henry was born or even when he joined the army. Although it has been suggested that his number was recruited in 1884/1885.

Were detailed death records kept?

Thank you
Emma

A Blast from the Past....... - by: QSAMIKE

April 26, 2016, 11:39 am

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ORDERS AND MEDALS
RESEARCH SOCIETY
VOLUME 1, NO. 4
1st April, 1959

ODD UNITS by G.W. Harris

Among the files of medal rolls for the South African War of 1899/1902 to be found at the Public Record Office is one which contains such intriguing units as “Burger Camps Detachment”, “South Eastern Gas Company's Reservists”, “Chinese Regiment of Infantry”, and it occurred to me that these would repay a little study.

The first roll in the file is that of the is that of the Burger Camps Department and is a claim by members of the Medical Services including Nursing Sisters some of whom, it is interesting to note claimed the clasp, Transvaal. Although clasps were not given to nurses this claim is not marked “Dis-allowed” as seems to be the usual in these cases. While one can understand that nurses probably did not actually participate in any of the actions in the field, it is difficult to see why they should not have been granted the three “Defence” clasps and even the “Colony” clasps.

One would like to know why Mr. C.R. Henry, C.S.I. of the Criminal Investigation Department was wanted. Probably interrogation of prisoners I would suggest. The Fire Brigade Johannesburgh does not sound like a combatant unit but they served as a body as there is a roll devoted to them.

Winston Churchill is to be found among the War Correspondents but his name is ruled through with a note in the remarks column “Previously served in S.A.L.H.” That prolific writer Edgar Wallace was then a correspondent for the Daily Mail. His recommendation is marked “Case still under consideration” and the entry ruled through in green ink with the laconic comment “No Medal”. I have read somewhere that Wallace discovered that an old friend of his army days was an orderly on duty at the peace talks and arranged with him to be given a signal immediately the treaty was signed. By this means he cabled the information to the Daily Mail some twenty-four hours before Kitchener released the news. Knowing Kitchener's dislike of war-correspondents one is inclined to wonder if this incident had any connection with the dis-allowing of the medal. I would very much like to know if Wallace was subsequently granted the medal as I cannot help feeling that he would not let the matter rest. Another interesting entry under this heading is that of Lieut. Do Kleen of the Swedish Artillery. By the way War-Correspondents were recommended for their medals the forms being amended to this effect.

It seems rather hard that W. Clark, a civilian groom who apparently qualified for the clasps Paardeburgh, Johannesburgh, Driefontein and Cape Colony should, with W. Hiscock, have been granted the bronze medal only although the clasps were not actually dis-allowed. The same applies to A. Tree who was a civilian servant. His claim to Cape Colony and Natal is however marked Dis-allowed” and “Bronze Medal only granted”.

After the end of the war, in November 1902, the South Metropolitan Gas Company gave a dinner to their employees who as reservists had been called upon to serve. It was then discovered that a number had never received their medals and the secretary of the Reservists Fund wrote to Lord Roberts informing him of the circumstances and asked that their medals should be sent to them. It is hoped that the medals arrived in time for the recipients to wear them at the dinner.

Finally “The Chinese Regiment of Infantry” certainly got me guessing with names like Chang Hsien and Feng-yang Foo running through my mind. It was rather an anti-climax to find that the solitary claimant (granted medal with six clasps) was one Lt. And Q.M. T. JONES!!!!!!

Victorian Mounted Rifles Memorial in Bacchus Marsh Australia - by: Stephen Bayley

April 26, 2016, 2:01 pm

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Discovered on my recent travels in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia. Memorial to Victorian Mounted Rifles who served in the Boer War. Will post up a few more detailed photos shortly.

Swan Hill, Victoria Australia - Boer War Memorial - by: Stephen Bayley

April 27, 2016, 10:14 pm

≫ Next: Town Guard QSA's and DMT QSA's - by: Ian Brentnall

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Rather new memorial however done very well

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Town Guard QSA's and DMT QSA's - by: Ian Brentnall

April 28, 2016, 6:08 am

≫ Next: Edward VII - by: b999

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In recent months I've been collecting Town Guard QSA's but find that when I talk to dealers/collectors, they also include District Mounted Troops as Town Guard troops. Is this correct i.e. a generalisation of 'Home' Guard troops that could be mounted or non-mounted. I have a list of Town Guard units, is there such a list for DMT's and if so can someone help me by sending me a copy?

Edward VII - by: b999

April 28, 2016, 6:11 am

≫ Next: Ancestor - John Moore - by: Patty7

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Hey there,

I have to do some research regarding a cartoon by Johan Braakensiek published 30 March 1902 in the dutch weekly magazine 'de Amsterdammer' (still exists as 'de Groene Amsterdammer'):

[King Edward VII (to the angel of peace): Please, could you polish my crown?
Angel to king: First you have to wipe the blood off...]

By reading contemporary newspapers it has come to my attention that king Edward wanted his coronation delayed until the Boer wars would be over, although it is denoted as a rumor in said newspapers (still looking for some official source to confirm this).
There seems to have been a great deal of grudge towards Edward in dutch newspapers, he is often depicted as merciless and hearthless.

Translated from an article of March 25 1902:

It's no surprise that the fat king is beeing mocked almost all over the world. One still waits for the first sign of benevolence, generosity or chivalry, since he, now 14 months ago, ascended the throne. Since he has not used the distinguished right of the crown, the right of pardon, with the scandalous death penalty conducted against commander Scheepers (Gideon), we have to despair of Edward VII. If the hearth makes no sound at such a moment it has to be dead.

I have reached a brick wall concerning Edward's involvement in the Boer wars besides dutch contemporary sources. Most literature about Edward appears to be of gossip-like quality, about his loose lifestyle and such (eg. 'The playboy prince'), and is probably of low value for my assignment.
If anyone could give me a push in the right direction concerning the following topics, it would mean a great deal to me (any literature, articles, ...):
1. What was Edward's role in the Boer war
2. Why was Edward denounced so heavily in Holland? After all, the war started under the reign of his mother, queen Victoria. Are there any specific events leading on to this denounciation?
3. Was he just seen as the representation of all English horribilities in South Africa (like the concentration camp deaths) and therefor renounced? (so more like a generalising grudge than a personal one?)
...

Any tips on sources are welcome, keep in mind that I have a limited time span though.
Thanks!

Ancestor - John Moore - by: Patty7

April 28, 2016, 2:06 pm

≫ Next: Not even close to a QSA with Talana and Elandslaagte - by: djb

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Hi all,

I am searching for information on my great grandfather John Moore was born in 1877.

I understand he was in the Natal Mounted Rifles (& then South African Mounted Rifles) and may have fought in the Boer war.
I understand that in 1913 married (Helene Kokkinn Ashwell) in Durban, South Africa. He died sometime between 1921 and 1942.His son Terence was killed on active service in Tobruk in 1942.

Is there any where I could find his military records? I am especially curious to know where he was born.

Kind regards
TJ

Not even close to a QSA with Talana and Elandslaagte - by: djb

April 29, 2016, 5:57 am

≫ Next: Militaria Fair in South Africa - by: QSAMIKE

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The auctioneers Arthur Johnson & Sons are selling a QSA and KSA pair today advertised as:

A King's and Queen's South Africa medals made into a brooch awarded to 8118 Dr. T. Bowen A.S.C. with bars, Elandslaagte, Talana, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, Natal and ribbons, King's renamed

The picture of the clasps is very unclear, sadly.

Pictures courtesy of the-saleroom.com

The 69th RFA were at Talana but T Bowen was not. His entitlement is to Tr and Natal (WO100/142p203). He was invalided 1 Sep 1900 hence why the KSA is renamed.

Militaria Fair in South Africa - by: QSAMIKE

April 29, 2016, 9:03 am

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Good Morning to our South African Members.....

Voortrekker Monument Military Fair held at the Voortrekker Monument in Pretoria, South Africa. It is on Monday 2nd of May.

Will any of our members be attending this fair and can they tell us what it was like??????

Mike