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South African (Anglo Boer) war Weekend! - by: Ndlovu

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Dear Stakeholder,

We are pleased to announce that the next South African (Anglo-Boer) War Weekend at Kedar Heritage Lodge will take place from 12 – 14 May 2017!

This instalment will see military historian, Ret. Maj. John Pennefather unpack the Battle of Elands River. It is a particularly exciting instalment as he will highlight some new developments pertaining to the battlefield itself. Military enthusiast Andre Wedepohl will be the Master of Ceremonies. We will also have a book table on the 13th of May 2017 where a selection of South African war publications will be on sale.

If you would like to participate in this weekend of networking, discussing, learning and just having fun, then this is your opportunity!

To book, please visit our webpage www.recreationafrica.co.za/Kedar-Anglo-Boer-War-Weekend/ or view the attached weekend and day packages.

Finally, if you know of any individuals or groups of individuals that may be interested in attending this weekend, please share this information with them.

Andrews,1983. Pioneer Sketches & Heroes Acre, Church St Cemetery, Pretoria - by: rob carman

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Good morning,

If you have a copy of Andrews, please would you contact me.

I am trying to get new photographs of the graves of Norfolk Volunteer Service Company men that died during the 2ABW and are buried in South Africa. I am starting with Heroes Acre, Church Street cemetery, Pretoria. I gather Andrews may list those interred the cemetery and would like to get a list together before my next move.

There are at least three memorial I am interested in. Each was illustrated in: Josling, Harold. 1907. The Autobiography of a Military Great Coat. Being a story of the 1st Norfolk Volunteer Active Service Company, 1900-1, Jarrold & Sons (1907) 424 pp.

The first two are stones erected by the Norfolk VSC. The third was put up by the Norfolk Regiment, and may be related to the 2nd Bn’s presence in town at that same time.

Regards,

Rob.

Tracing and Ancestor - by: findahero

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I am looking for records or any information on the following Trooper:

Patrick Joesph Xavier Kearney who was a trooper in the Cape Mounted Riflemen Regiment 1893-1896.

If there are any records I am looking specially for his date of birth and country born. Also if there are any family listed as next of kin and there names.

David Edward Patterson - by: amandad82

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Dear Forum Members,

I was wondering if you would be able to assist me.

I am currently searching for more details on a few pieces of information that I have discovered while doing research on my ancestor David Edward Patterson.

Here is a brief timeline, that I have found using baptism records and his claim of compensation file:
1897 – Worked as a ZAR Mounted Policeman
1898 – Worked as a Detective
1901 – He is listed as surrendering to the English at his farm / store Kamelportnek and was sent with wife and kid to Irene Concentration Camp
1901 – Listed as working for the Military Intelligence Department
1901-3 – In his claim of compensation file that he swore allegiance with the English and started working for the Morley Scouts
1911 – He applied for a farm with a Mr. Groenewald and the reference he gave were:
General Botha
General Beyers
General De La Rey
Comt Leinberg

The question I have are:
1. What does it mean to of worked for the ZAR Mountain Police? Would you of had to be born in the ZAR?
2. In his claim of Compensation file he says that he was a neutralized burger who’s residency permit had expired and he never took up arms against his hereditary country, - I am currently trying to establish what it meant to be a neutralised burger… Could he of come from the English part of South Africa (like the Cape Province) and had to request a residence permit to live in the Transvaal (ZAR), or did he immigrate from the UK?
3. His wife was family of Arthur John Dickens, who is said to of known Jan Smuts, I read that Jan Smuts took hold of the Intelligence Department at one stage, is there any more reading I could do to find out more?
4. As he was working as a detective in 1898, does that mean he was part of the ZAR defence?

I’m trying to gather as much information on this man as possible, any assistance would be very welcome.

Many thanks and Kind Regards,
Amanda

Interesting Mounted Badge...... Boer War ????? - by: QSAMIKE

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Good Afternoon Everyone.....

Rec'd these badges today, they were advertised as possible Boer War.....

They are hand made but have an interesting fastener, a screw rather than loops.....

Has anyone seen them before ?????

What is your opinion ??????

Mike




bullers bulldogs - by: MGaze

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I was given the photo along with some of my grandfathers WW1 memorabilia, on the back it said G.Gaze marked with an X, but there was no X also as he was born in 1893 he is too young to be any of these and he looks nothing like the young chap in the front, I have only one ancestor that I have not been able to trace Frederick Gaze born in Liverpool in 1881, but he does not show up in any records that I can find. Who were these desperado's ?

An H.M.S. Partridge man in the Boer War - by: Rory

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Henry Thomas Gale

Engine Room Artificer – Anglo Boer War
Chief Engine Room Artificer 1st Class – WWI


- Queens South Africa Medal to H. Gale, E.R.A. H.M.S. Partridge
- 1914/15 Star to 268650 H.T. Gale, C.E.R.A.1..R.N.
- British War Medal to 268656 C.E.R.A.1..R.N.
- Victory Medal to 268656 C.E.R.A.1..R.N.
- GV Navy Long Service & Good Conduct Medal to 268650 H.T. Gale, C.E.R.A.1CL. H.M.S. Pembroke


Henry Gale was born at Pewsey in Wiltshire on 16 February 1871 the son of Thomas Gale and his wife Mary Ann, born Want. According to the 1871 England census the Gale family lived in a Cottage in the Parish of North Newton in Bottlesford where Mr Gale was employed as a Gentleman’s Gardener. Young Henry, a baby of 1 month was joined by siblings Louisa (6), Janet (4) and John (1).

Ten years later at the time of the 1881 England census the family had moved to Wolsingham in Durham where they lived in the East End. Henry was, as can be imagined in Victorian times, no longer the youngest in the house. Elizabeth (7), Mary Ann (5) and Frank (2) had joined the ranks with the others, with the exception of John (10) having left the family home.

Time moved on and the 1891 England census rolled round. On this occasion we find the family sadly changed with Mrs Gale, no doubt worn out be her exertions on behalf of the family, having passed away leaving Mr Gale, at the age of 48, a Widower. Louisa (26) had returned to the home to help out. Possibly why Mrs Gale had expired can be attributed to the addition in the home of yet more children – Charlie (7), Tom (6) and Edwin (5) joined the others in what was a very full house. Fortunately a 20 year old Henry was now employed as a Steel Finisher and Turner. Mr Gale was still gardening but was described as being a Domestic Servant as well.

Surrounded as he was by so many and most likely in conditions of pecuniary distress a 25 year old Henry enlisted with the Royal Navy at Chatham on 14 January 1896 for 12 years service. A Fitter and Turner by trade he was 5 feet 6 inches in height with brown hair, grey eyes and a fair complexion.
With immediate effect he entered the shore base “Pembroke II” as an acting Engine Room Artificer. It wasn’t long before he received his first posting, this to H.M.S. “Empress of India” with effect from 8 September 1896. This ship was of the Royal Sovereign class and was launched at Pembroke on 7 May 1891. Gale was aboard her as a 4th Class E.R.A. until 17 January 1897 when he returned to Pembroke.

From there he moved onto H.M.S. “Hearty”, a survey vessel which had been launched in 1886. He was aboard her for quite a lengthy spell – until 15 March 1899 – when he was returned to Pembroke once more having received a promotion to 3d Class E.R.A. whilst with her. A short spell at Pembroke II followed until 3 May 1899 at which point he received a posting to the ship which he was to spend the Boer War with – H.M.S. “Partridge”. Partridge was a 1st Class Gunboat of 755 tons which, during her first Commission, was at sea on route to Delagoa Bay at the start of the Anglo Boer War on 11 October 1899.

She arrived in Durban on 19 October 1899 and shuffled around the South African coast for the duration of the war. The day before she docked in Durban she was involved in the first naval action of the conflict – whilst off Delagoa Bay – when she stopped the Castle Line Steamer “Avondale Castle” so as to seize £25 000 worth of gold specie being shipped by the Transvaal Government from Durban to Lourenco Marques.

Whilst at Durban the Partridge was ordered to escort the S.S. “Patiala” to Simonstown. The Patiala had 188 Boer Prisoners of War on board destined for St. Helena. On 20 April 1900 the Partridge was ordered to Beira to assist in the landing of the Rhodesia Field Force. This force was commissioned to attack the Boers from the north via Rhodesia. During this period one man and one officer died of fever (Portuguese East Africa is notorious for its fever-ridden malaria based pestilence) whilst seven others were invalided before leaving the port. It is likely that many of the men would have been ashore assisting with the off-loading of men and supplies but only a handful of officers were awarded the Rhodesia clasp to their medals when they were distributed. The Partridge was in these waters until July of 1900.

The Boers attempts to penetrate the Cape Colony in search of both supplies and sympathisers to join their cause meant that the Partridge was deployed to first the eastern Cape coast - off Mossel Bay and Port Elizabeth – before being sent around the Cape to lie off Lambert’s Bay in the Atlantic. On 9 October 1900 whilst in Simonstown she was ordered to Saldanha Bay where Boers were stated to be in the vicinity. Due to bad weather she couldn’t get underway immediately but sailed the next morning. On arrival they fund two transports which had been off-loading their cargo when a large Boer commando had arrived. Some of the residents of the town had sought refuge aboard the small ships for safety which the Boers then fired at.

As the Partridge entered the bay the Boers were seen driving off cattle. Immediately “action” was sounded and No. 1 4 inch gun opened fire with shrapnel shells at 5.50 p.m. A total of 8 rounds were fired before the Boers decided it was getting hot and fled leaving the stolen cattle behind. With this incident the Partridge gained the distinction of being the first Royal Navy ship to be in action during the Boer War.

The Partridge remained in South African waters until being sent to Zanzibar in early January 1902 where she remained until April of that year before returning to Simonstown to recommission. The Boer attack on O’Kiep under General Smuts meant, however, that that the Partridge was ordered to Port Nolloth to support the operations there, arriving on 22 April. An officer and ten men were landed to work with the transports and a further eight men were landed for shore duties. On the 24th she sailed for Lambert’s Bay where an outbreak of Smallpox occurred necessitating her recall to Simonstown.

The Smallpox episode sparked a minor incident where the wrath of the Town Clerk of Simonstown was incurred. He wrote to the Under Colonial Secretary on 20 May 1902 as follows,

“Sir

Adverting to the recent arrival in Simon’s Bay of H.M.S. “Partridge” with a case of Small-pox on board. I have the honour, as instructed, to state that my Council understand that a suspicious case of illness was removed from that ship, after she had been placed in quarantine, to the Naval Hospital without any such intention having been communicated to the local authority, ad my Council, as the local authority, consider that they should have been advised of the intention to land within the Municipality a suspicious case of illness from a vessel on which Small-pox was known to exist, in order that the Health Officer to the Municipality might have been consulted as to any possible risk to the public resulting from such a removal; especially in view of the fact that one of the crew of the ship had died from the disease.

I have the honour to be…”

There is no record of a reply being received to this complaint. Partridge remained in Simonstown awaiting the arrival of H.M.S. “Hawke” with the new crew for the Partridge. The old crew, Gale included was paid off on 13 May and transferred from the Hawke to return to Chatham. Gale received his Queens Medal for services rendered.

Gale next went to Pembroke II for a spell where he was promoted to E.R.A. 2nd Class on 1 April 1904. His next posting was a while later – to H.M.S. “Leander” on 1 July 1907. The Leander was second class cruiser launched in 1882 and was commissioned as a "depot ship for torpedo boat destroyers" on 21 January 1904 (presumably at Chatham) going on to serve as part of the Mediterranean Fleet.

After this stint he served on, variously, the “Blake”, the “Royal Arthur”, the “Moorhen” and the “Edgar” before returning to Pembroke II on 26 May 1910.

On 10 August he was back on board – this time on the St. George before moving on to the Tyne. World War I broke out on 4 August 1914 and Gale was posted from Pembroke to the shore establishment “Actaeon 3” on 8 September 1914. He was to spend a large part of the war stationed there until, on 1 September 1916 he was transferred to H.M.S. “Vernon”- a stone frigate the Vernon was also the Royal Navy’s torpedo school. Gale was invalided out of the Navy on 25 April 1917 and issued with a Silver War Badge no. 10954. He was also awarded the three standard medals for WWI. He was also awarded his Naval Long Service and Good Conduct medal on 13 March 1913.

Henry Thomas Gale passed away in Chatham, Kent in 1947 at the age of 76. He does not appear to have ever married.

My thanks to Peter Singlehurst for extracts from his book relating to the "Partridge" in the Boer War.








N Jones RAMC - by: aw2017

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I'm looking to find out, if possible, where N Jones 9714 RAMC, No.9 Bearer Company could be buried.

He died on 6th June 1900 of enteric fever in Naauwpoort.

Any help greatly appreciated. :)

Medals to the ILH - by: djb

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(Can't believe this thread does not already exist!)


Picture courtesy of DNW

BSACM, reverse undated (2) Mashonaland 1890, Matabeleland 1893 (Tpr. Barry, J. W. Pioneers.) the second clasp a cast copy;
QSA (4) RoM TH RoL Tr (Capt. J. W. Barry, Imp: Lt: Horse);
KSA (2) (Capt. J. W. Barry. Imp. L.H.);
1914-15 Star (Capt. J. W. Barry Staff.);
British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Capt. J. W. Barry.)

Only 11 medals issued with these two clasps, including 6 to the Pioneers. Just 30 Matabeleland 1893 clasps were issued in total.

The following report on the death of Captain Barry was published in The African World in November 1935:

‘Captain J. W. Barry, one of the eight remaining members of the 1890 Pioneer Corps resident in Southern Rhodesia, died in Salisbury Hospital a few weeks ago. Captain Barry was one of the 22 early pioneers who were presented with the freedom of the city at the last Occupation Day ceremony on September 12.

Jack Barry was born at Swellendam, Cape Province, on August 10, 1863, he was for some years in the service of the Standard Bank. He went to Barberton in 1885 and afterwards to Johannesburg. On leaving the bank in 1886 he joined the Johannesburg Stock Exchange and was one of the pioneers of the Witwatersrand.

When volunteers were called for Rhodes’ Pioneer Corps Captain Barry, with 12 men from the Rand, joined the expedition on May 22, 1890, at Mafeking. He accompanied the column to Salisbury and was present at the hoisting of the Union Jack at Fort Salisbury, signifying the formal occupation of Mashonaland. After the disbandment of the column Captain Barry began prospecting for gold in a party in which were the Hon. Lionel Cripps and Messrs. Charles and Harry Lovemore. They worked in Mazoe Valley, where Captain Barry found ancient workings and pegged them.

Serving with the Imperial Light Horse in the Anglo-Boer War Captain Barry was at the relief of Ladysmith and the relief of Mafeking. In the Great War he served in the South-West African Campaign [with the Cape Peninsular Rifles in Botha’s Army, 1 October 1914 to 13 August 1916] and afterwards went to France with the 1st Cape Native Labour Corps.

In 1928 Captain Barry was appointed first Curator of the Victoria Falls. With the well-known sculptor, Reid Dick, he was responsible for the selection of the site for the David Livingstone Memorial at Devil’s Cataract.’

David Edward Patterson - by: amandad82

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Dear ABW Members,

How would I go about finding more information on what it meant to be a ZAR Mounted Policeman in 1897, a detective in 1898 and what rank David Edward Patterson was while joining the Morley Scouts, what he did in the unit???

I would also like to find out more information on the Morley Scouts and their movements in the ABW specifically in 1901.

Many Thanks,
Amanda

Gunner C. L. Jones - Dereham - Soldier Number 2 - by: Kitty55

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Hi
Even though I've managed to name and find over 40 soldiers who came from Dereham and fought in the ABW - but this time I'm really stumped.:dry:

I've just found a letter in my local newspaper dated 3rd February 1900 which was written and sent in by Gunner C. L. Jones of Etling Green, East Dereham, Norfolk. The letter is a really interesting one about the Boer War and volunteers in general and I would really like to put it in my War Book but to do that I'd need to know a little more about him and I don't seem to be able to.
I've searched through my local directories to try and found him but he's not listed in them or on anything online except for the two following records -

The First One -
C. Jones, Gunner R.A. Service Number 19955 - 66, Battery Royal Field Artillery.
This record stated he was wounded in Colenso on 15th December 1899 and later killed on 22nd August 1901 at Johannesburg on the Railway.
It also states he's on the South War Royal Artillery Memorial in the Mall, London.
Found on Findmypast and N&MA.

The Second One -
C. Jones, Driver,
Force - South African Field Force,
Regt. - Royal Artillery
Battalion - Ammunition Columns and Parks
Number - 77495
Rank - Driver
Casualty type - Accident injury
Place - Kaapmuiden
Date - 9th October 1900
From the N&MA

Both of these two could be him as he's not a Dereham man but was living in Etling Green when he wrote the letter.
However I believe the first one is the most likely as it fits with all the dates - i.e. no trace of him in any directory/census anywhere after 1901 and several of the men from Dereham who according to his letter he knew where either stationed/fighting in Colenso and Johannesburg.
It is possible that he was staying with a fellow soldier or friends in town whilst convalescing.
I say this as several men who came from that particular area in town where regular soldiers albeit in different regiments.

I've searched - Through my local newspapers, Findmypast, Ancestry, Genealogist, Genes Reunited, N&MA, Rolls of Honour but can't find anything anywhere else.

Is there anywhere else that I haven't mentioned that I could find out more about him?

Any help would be appreciated

:) Thanks and take care, Kitty

Getting Started with my search - by: LorraineJohnston

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I have just sorted through my grandfather's old coin box and found a medal which on inspection is a Queen's South Africa Medal from 1899-1902. Inscribed on the rim is the no. 5215 and the details Pte W Stokes Worcester Regt. I am really keen to find out a bit more about him as I think it was my grandfather's uncle. However, I cannot seem to find anything that matches. 5215 brings up lots of names, but not his. W Stokes brings up a gentleman with a different no. 6874. Could this be him? I am absolutely delighted to find this little piece of history but it would be great to be able to contextualise it. Lorraine

Sergeant Henry Brough, 2nd Battalion North Staffordshire Regiment - by: BereniceUK

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His grave is in Uttoxeter Cemetery, Staffordshire, and he's named on the ABW plaque in St Mary's Church, Uttoxeter. www.angloboerwar.com/forum/17-memorials-...oxeter-staffordshire

"who during the late Boer War fought engagements in Joanesburg, Orange Free State, and Cape Colony, and died from the effects of disease contracted in South Africa on February 7th 1902, aged 27 years."



Pte,Thomas Ponsonby Jackson, Border regiment. - by: deacs

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This memorial is inside Aspatria [St.Kentigern] church.

Pte.Thomas Ponsonby Jackson, 7198. Border regiment.

Died of fever, Germiston, October 31st 1900.

Pte.Francis E Pennington, 7502, Border regiment - by: deacs


WEDGE CAP - by: CANINF

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HI MEMBER'S

I WAS TOLD THIS WAS A CANADIAN BOER WAR WEDGE CAP
CAN I GET YOUR FEED BACK.
THANK YOU CASEY

Found South Africa Medals - by: fergcanb

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in Grandfathers box I am not sure if they belong to Australian or British soldier. One is King with green cream and gold ribbon 2 clasps South Africa 1901 and 1902 pointing to R. On rim is 70. TPR R Scott S.A.C. ( I presume South Africa Constabulary) DId he have a regiment prior to this? and is he Australian or British. Cant seem to find him.
Also without a ribbon on Victoria face medal pointing to R on reverse-- on rim 14543 Pte W Bailey R.A.M.C.
I have no idea where g father obtained these medals and they do not seem to be family

2017 Meeting of the ABW Antipodean Chapter. - by: LinneyI

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Interested members
IL hereby advises of the holding of the next ABW Antipodean Chapter meeting in Hobart, Tasmania, in early May, 2017. The actual venue for the meeting has not yet been arranged (the last one was pretty good, Stephen!) and, after a formal acknowledgement of David's providing such a valuable forum for us all to share, the meeting agenda is fluid. Doubtless, the latest QSA research projects will be aired at length - and IL would like to know more of NZ recruitment policies for their Contingents.
Should any member in the Southern Reaches of the Antipodes like to attend, please email me.
Regards
IL.

MANY HAPPY RETURNS! - by: LinneyI

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Forum members
IL was leafing through his folders the other day and got to thinking if others of like interests had experienced "Many Happy Returns"; the disposal of a medal/medals due to a variety of reasons (necessity, lack of interest at the time, or pick a reason) and - much later - again encountering and re-acquiring one or more of the disposed-of items. The encountering may be in a Dealer's list or on a favourite on-line auction site. And no matter how the encounter. The bug bit again.
This writer will open the topic by going back to 1977; a time in OZ when not a lot of QSAs came up and ,when they did, researching was only possible by medal roll search by UK Researchers. Many did not bother. Moreover, Stirling's two books had vanished from the stacks of the State Library! The only hope was Regimental Histories - and good luck with that. Of course, there was no internet. At around that time, IL had been fortunate to obtain the monthly/three monthly (?) lists of Stan Kaplan, RSA. The exchange rate was good and some interesting Colonial Horse items were purchased. I always found Stan Kaplan to be a real Gentleman.
In 1977, IL purchased a QSA/KSA pair to Nesbitt's Horse:



QSA clasp "Cape Colony" and impressed to "1523 Tpr. E.S.Peterson, Nesbitt's Horse"
KSA usual two clasps and impressed as above - but no Regimental number.

Many years later, the whole collection was sold. Many years after that, Tpr. Peterson's medals turned up quite unexpectedly on a Dealer's table at an Arms Fair. Suitable action was taken.

Have others had similar examples of Many Happy Returns? If so, they might be good enough to share them. Indeed, IL has had Many Happy Returns happen again twice! Just goes to show the World is a pretty small place.
Regards to all
IL.

SOUTH WALES BORDERERS - ENTITLED TO QSA? - by: KFS

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Hi all - bit puzzled on this one as I've been trying to find the medal entitlement to 3059 PTR E. H. PRICE B.Co. SOUTH WALES BORDERERS. Does anyone know what he would have been entitled to? I do know the Borderers only really saw service during the later stages of the war.
Many thanks if anyone can throw light on this for me.
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