Served: Potchefstroom. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).
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Wolmarans, Frederik Gerhardus Andries. Commandant - by: djb
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Vermaas, Hendrik Cornelius Wilhelmus. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Lichtenburg. Senior. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).
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Roos, Francois Johannes. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Potchefstroom. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst) and received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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Prinsloo, Joachim Petrus Nicolaas. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Pretoria.
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Prinsloo, Hendrik Stephanus. Burger - by: djb
Served: Middelburg.
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Pretorius, Hendrik Petrus Jacobus. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Jacobsdal. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).
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Nolte, Laurens Rasmus. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Boksburg. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst).
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De La Rey, Jacobus Herculaas. Asst Commandant General - by: djb
Served: Transvaal. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst) and received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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De Beer, Johennee Marthinus. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Johannesburg. Received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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Davel, Oelof Abraham Izak. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Bethlehem. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst) and received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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Dames, Pieter Alphonso. Kaptein - by: djb
Served: Middelburg. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst) and received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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Buys, Stefanus Bernardus. Commandant - by: djb
Served: Heidelberg. Awarded the DTD (Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst) and received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).
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QSA with the British South Africa Company Medal - by: djb
Three: Captain A. V. Gosling, The Rifle Brigade, late Major in the British South Africa Police, and Captain of “G” Troop, Bechuanaland Border Police, on the ill-fated Jameson Raid, for which he afterwards stood trial in London
![GoslingAV.jpg]()
Picture courtesy of DNW
BSA CM reverse Rhodesia 1896, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1897 (Major A. V. Gosling. B.S.A.P.)
QSA (3) CC Rhod OFS (Capt. A. V. Gosling, Rifle Bde.)
KSA (2) (Capt. A. V. Gosling. Rif. Bde.)
Audley Vaughan Gosling was born in 1864, the son of George F. Gosling, a staff officer on half pay. He was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 3rd & 4th battalion of the Worcestersgire Regiment on 3 April 1886, but resigned his commission on 25 May 1889. He went to South Africa where he joined the Bechuanaland Border Police as a Sergeant, and was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant on 13 June 1890.
He served as a Captain with a detachment of the B.B.P. and commanded “G” Troop in the force that was raised by Dr. Leander Starr Jameson for his ill-planned invasion of the Boer Transvaal Republic, and was captured when Jameson’s outnumbered force was compelled to surrender to the Boers on 2 January 1896. Gosling was transported back to England for trial together with Jameson and other senior ‘raiders’ but was acquitted of all charges.
Gosling returned to South Africa that same year and served as a staff officer during the Mashonaland Expedition with the rank of Major in the British South Africa Police. He received a Mention in Despatches from General Martin for his services during that campaign, London Gazette 18 February 1898:
‘Chief Inspector A. V. Gosling. District Staff Officer, acted as second in command and conducted several important patrols with conspicuous success. He commanded the attack on Kunzi’s and took part in all the encounters with the natives, showing the greatest coolness and gallantry under fire.’
From December 1897 to January 1901, Gosling held the position of Commissioner for Mashonaland. Remaining with the British South Africa Police during the Anglo-Boer War Gosling was attached to a considerable number of various units, appearing in no less than 6 different rolls of the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He seems to have held his standing commission with the Mashonaland Division of the B.S.A. Police as a Major and was attached at various times to H Section, Pom Poms, R.H.A. (Major), Bethune’s Mounted Infantry (Major) and finally transferred as a Captain to the 5th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade on 4 December 1901.
Captain A. V. Gosling died on Guernsey on 7 June 1906.
Picture courtesy of DNW
BSA CM reverse Rhodesia 1896, 1 clasp, Mashonaland 1897 (Major A. V. Gosling. B.S.A.P.)
QSA (3) CC Rhod OFS (Capt. A. V. Gosling, Rifle Bde.)
KSA (2) (Capt. A. V. Gosling. Rif. Bde.)
Audley Vaughan Gosling was born in 1864, the son of George F. Gosling, a staff officer on half pay. He was commissioned a Lieutenant in the 3rd & 4th battalion of the Worcestersgire Regiment on 3 April 1886, but resigned his commission on 25 May 1889. He went to South Africa where he joined the Bechuanaland Border Police as a Sergeant, and was promoted to Sub-Lieutenant on 13 June 1890.
He served as a Captain with a detachment of the B.B.P. and commanded “G” Troop in the force that was raised by Dr. Leander Starr Jameson for his ill-planned invasion of the Boer Transvaal Republic, and was captured when Jameson’s outnumbered force was compelled to surrender to the Boers on 2 January 1896. Gosling was transported back to England for trial together with Jameson and other senior ‘raiders’ but was acquitted of all charges.
Gosling returned to South Africa that same year and served as a staff officer during the Mashonaland Expedition with the rank of Major in the British South Africa Police. He received a Mention in Despatches from General Martin for his services during that campaign, London Gazette 18 February 1898:
‘Chief Inspector A. V. Gosling. District Staff Officer, acted as second in command and conducted several important patrols with conspicuous success. He commanded the attack on Kunzi’s and took part in all the encounters with the natives, showing the greatest coolness and gallantry under fire.’
From December 1897 to January 1901, Gosling held the position of Commissioner for Mashonaland. Remaining with the British South Africa Police during the Anglo-Boer War Gosling was attached to a considerable number of various units, appearing in no less than 6 different rolls of the Queen’s South Africa Medal. He seems to have held his standing commission with the Mashonaland Division of the B.S.A. Police as a Major and was attached at various times to H Section, Pom Poms, R.H.A. (Major), Bethune’s Mounted Infantry (Major) and finally transferred as a Captain to the 5th Battalion, The Rifle Brigade on 4 December 1901.
Captain A. V. Gosling died on Guernsey on 7 June 1906.
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Ernest Dickson, Thorneycroft's M.I. - Spion Kop Casualty - by: Adrian123456
Hi Forum
My latest acquisition is a single QSA to 9480 Sergeant Ernest Dickson, wounded at Spion Kop. He was originally from Castletown, Isle of Man, travelled to Hobart, Tasmania and enlisted on 27 Oct 1899 with C Company, Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry. He was wounded at Spion Kop.
Subsequently he was employed with the Transport Department, Fort Napier, Natal with the A.S.C., from 8 July 1901.
QSA two clasps: Tugela Heights; Relief of Ladysmith
He was born in about 1874, and travelled to Hobart Tasmania in Sept 1893 aged 19 years, as a labourer.
He wrote two letters which were published as shown below:
The Launceston Examiner 25 January 1900 Letter written by Dickson.
BATTLE OF THE TUGELA. "A FEARFUL FIGHT."
"THE. BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT."
BRIEF BUT GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH THORNEYOROFT'S MOUNTED INFANTRY.
Per Line of Communication. COLENSO CAMP, Dec. 21.
On Friday we had a fearful fight. That is the best way I can describe it. At 2 o'clock in the morning we moved down to the right flank of the big range of the Tugela heights on the far side of the Tugela River. We were composed of 4000 mounted. The artillery and infantry moved straight down to the centre of the position, which I will try and show you in a small sketch.
You will notice the hills at the back of the river (Tugela), and in the front are some low kopjes. At six o'clock the big guns started, and by seven the Maxims, rifles, field artillery, and big guns were going as hard as they could. T.M.I. was the very right wing. We dismounted, and began to advance along a water course. We had not gone far when we heard bang, bang, and they began on us from behind rocks and all sorts of places.
We gave them volley after volley, and gradually drove them back, and took up a position on the low ridge. We could go no further without artillery, and sent back for it, but it was not forthcoming, and the Boers got reinforced and began peppering us.
Word was brought that we had to retire; we began, and then' didn't they rattle them on. We had two dying men and nine wounded, and our task was slow and tedious. At last we got to the watercourse, and got the wounded to ambulances, and kept up a fire till they got them away. They came on crowding, and we had to retire, and had to cross a piece of open. They were waiting for this, and the bullets just whistled round, sending .up the earth everywhere. Two men fell on my left, and with five other men we bound up their wounds as best we could, and started carrying them to shelter, but after getting there one poor fellow died almost as soon as we laid him down. We got the worst of it, but the object was attained. We had drawn off the fire, and let another brigade take up a position which we can keep, and make a base of for attacking the position.
We have been quiet the last three days, but I am certain a big move is on, on one of the flanks. I will be glad when we get to Ladysmith. N (a brother of the writer) is shut up there with the Imperial Light Horse. They expect this war will go on till June. We have been at it two months, and in two actions.
The officer of my section was shot through the hip, and I don't think he will be back this campaign. Our losses were eight killed and 34 wounded, that is a great number to have out of one corps.
We have to go out on patrol tonight to prevent any move on their part. A nigger was shot at our outpost; he was coming from the Boer lines. I am sure some of the boys are carrying information.
The Launceston Examiner, 15 March 1900 Letter written by Dickson.
SERGEANT E. DICKSON.HOW HE WAS WOUNDED.STORY TOLD BY HIMSELF.THE THORNEYCROFTS CUT UP.
A few extracts from a private letter written by Sergeant E. Dickson, of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and well known in Launceston, have been kindly handed to us. They give particulars regarding his own work at Spion Kop, how he was wounded and taken through numerous hospitals to Maritzburg.
After climbing that hill called Spion Kop all night we charged with the bayonet about 3 a.m., and the Boers flew, leaving one of their outposts dead -run through with a bayonet. We then began to build up stones and make trenches. There was a very heavy mist on, but a.t about six they began sending shells up and a stiff rifle fire.
We had about 2500 men up there, and no guns, as the mountain battery had gone astray in the mist. They advanced under their heavy artillery fire, and popped them over as they came running from rock to rock. They now brought another gun into position and let drive. Things were getting very hot, and they could not get our wounded away fast enough, so rapidly did they tumble down to it. This went on all the morning, and at 2 in the afternoon some reinforcements came up. At about 3pm I was shot through the knee, but was still able to help to carry in some of the wounded till my leg gave in. I tried to scramble away, and finally a stretcher party picked me up and carried me to the hospital wagon, a distance of about three miles.
The storm of shells was terrific, and out of 182 of Thorneycroft's M.I. who went up 113 were killed and wounded. It was a week before I got here, going from hospital to hospital, and we were glad when we arrived at Maritzburg, where they look after us splendidly. I am writing this in a fine bed, and an old dame of about 90 in the shade has just presented us all with bouquets. Everyone is awfully good, bringing smoking materials, fruit, etc.
I am half afraid my campaigning is finished, as the doctor says I cannot ride for four months, and had better take a trip home. The knee is very puffed, owing to water having set in; but they have very good doctors here, so I shall soon be as fit as ever, and may be able, they say, to hobble on crutches in another fortnight. There were about 750 went out of action that day, mostly wounded, some of whom were very bad. I saw a shell blow both legs off a man, and another blew a man to pieces. I went with another man to get in a poor fellow, and as we carried him my poor mate was shot through the head and fell dead, and the wounded man was hit twice. I dragged him behind some rocks, but he died, so I made the best of my way back to the others.
He is referred to in "Thorneycroft’s Unbuttoned" by Droogleever at pages 51,52,53,55,58,69,71,84 and 86.
Regards
Adrian
My latest acquisition is a single QSA to 9480 Sergeant Ernest Dickson, wounded at Spion Kop. He was originally from Castletown, Isle of Man, travelled to Hobart, Tasmania and enlisted on 27 Oct 1899 with C Company, Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry. He was wounded at Spion Kop.
Subsequently he was employed with the Transport Department, Fort Napier, Natal with the A.S.C., from 8 July 1901.
QSA two clasps: Tugela Heights; Relief of Ladysmith
He was born in about 1874, and travelled to Hobart Tasmania in Sept 1893 aged 19 years, as a labourer.
He wrote two letters which were published as shown below:
The Launceston Examiner 25 January 1900 Letter written by Dickson.
BATTLE OF THE TUGELA. "A FEARFUL FIGHT."
"THE. BEST WAY I CAN DESCRIBE IT."
BRIEF BUT GRAPHIC ACCOUNT OF PERSONAL EXPERIENCES WITH THORNEYOROFT'S MOUNTED INFANTRY.
Per Line of Communication. COLENSO CAMP, Dec. 21.
On Friday we had a fearful fight. That is the best way I can describe it. At 2 o'clock in the morning we moved down to the right flank of the big range of the Tugela heights on the far side of the Tugela River. We were composed of 4000 mounted. The artillery and infantry moved straight down to the centre of the position, which I will try and show you in a small sketch.
You will notice the hills at the back of the river (Tugela), and in the front are some low kopjes. At six o'clock the big guns started, and by seven the Maxims, rifles, field artillery, and big guns were going as hard as they could. T.M.I. was the very right wing. We dismounted, and began to advance along a water course. We had not gone far when we heard bang, bang, and they began on us from behind rocks and all sorts of places.
We gave them volley after volley, and gradually drove them back, and took up a position on the low ridge. We could go no further without artillery, and sent back for it, but it was not forthcoming, and the Boers got reinforced and began peppering us.
Word was brought that we had to retire; we began, and then' didn't they rattle them on. We had two dying men and nine wounded, and our task was slow and tedious. At last we got to the watercourse, and got the wounded to ambulances, and kept up a fire till they got them away. They came on crowding, and we had to retire, and had to cross a piece of open. They were waiting for this, and the bullets just whistled round, sending .up the earth everywhere. Two men fell on my left, and with five other men we bound up their wounds as best we could, and started carrying them to shelter, but after getting there one poor fellow died almost as soon as we laid him down. We got the worst of it, but the object was attained. We had drawn off the fire, and let another brigade take up a position which we can keep, and make a base of for attacking the position.
We have been quiet the last three days, but I am certain a big move is on, on one of the flanks. I will be glad when we get to Ladysmith. N (a brother of the writer) is shut up there with the Imperial Light Horse. They expect this war will go on till June. We have been at it two months, and in two actions.
The officer of my section was shot through the hip, and I don't think he will be back this campaign. Our losses were eight killed and 34 wounded, that is a great number to have out of one corps.
We have to go out on patrol tonight to prevent any move on their part. A nigger was shot at our outpost; he was coming from the Boer lines. I am sure some of the boys are carrying information.
The Launceston Examiner, 15 March 1900 Letter written by Dickson.
SERGEANT E. DICKSON.HOW HE WAS WOUNDED.STORY TOLD BY HIMSELF.THE THORNEYCROFTS CUT UP.
A few extracts from a private letter written by Sergeant E. Dickson, of Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, and well known in Launceston, have been kindly handed to us. They give particulars regarding his own work at Spion Kop, how he was wounded and taken through numerous hospitals to Maritzburg.
After climbing that hill called Spion Kop all night we charged with the bayonet about 3 a.m., and the Boers flew, leaving one of their outposts dead -run through with a bayonet. We then began to build up stones and make trenches. There was a very heavy mist on, but a.t about six they began sending shells up and a stiff rifle fire.
We had about 2500 men up there, and no guns, as the mountain battery had gone astray in the mist. They advanced under their heavy artillery fire, and popped them over as they came running from rock to rock. They now brought another gun into position and let drive. Things were getting very hot, and they could not get our wounded away fast enough, so rapidly did they tumble down to it. This went on all the morning, and at 2 in the afternoon some reinforcements came up. At about 3pm I was shot through the knee, but was still able to help to carry in some of the wounded till my leg gave in. I tried to scramble away, and finally a stretcher party picked me up and carried me to the hospital wagon, a distance of about three miles.
The storm of shells was terrific, and out of 182 of Thorneycroft's M.I. who went up 113 were killed and wounded. It was a week before I got here, going from hospital to hospital, and we were glad when we arrived at Maritzburg, where they look after us splendidly. I am writing this in a fine bed, and an old dame of about 90 in the shade has just presented us all with bouquets. Everyone is awfully good, bringing smoking materials, fruit, etc.
I am half afraid my campaigning is finished, as the doctor says I cannot ride for four months, and had better take a trip home. The knee is very puffed, owing to water having set in; but they have very good doctors here, so I shall soon be as fit as ever, and may be able, they say, to hobble on crutches in another fortnight. There were about 750 went out of action that day, mostly wounded, some of whom were very bad. I saw a shell blow both legs off a man, and another blew a man to pieces. I went with another man to get in a poor fellow, and as we carried him my poor mate was shot through the head and fell dead, and the wounded man was hit twice. I dragged him behind some rocks, but he died, so I made the best of my way back to the others.
He is referred to in "Thorneycroft’s Unbuttoned" by Droogleever at pages 51,52,53,55,58,69,71,84 and 86.
Regards
Adrian
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'Men of Clackmannan,' Scotland - by: BereniceUK
www.angloboerwar.com/forum/19-ephemera/9...orial-alloa-scotland
The memorial is for the county of Clackmannanshire, and is in what was the county town of Alloa. Clackmannanshire was the smallest county in Scotland.
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The memorial is for the county of Clackmannanshire, and is in what was the county town of Alloa. Clackmannanshire was the smallest county in Scotland.
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Zulu War VCs - by: djb
I will start this thread with a group of miniatures coming up for sale next month.
![HartleyEB.jpg]()
Picture courtesy of Dominic Winter
A unique and unusually interesting miniature 'Basuto Gun War' VC group attributed to Surgeon Major (later Colonel) Edmund Baron Hartley, VC, CMG Victoria Cross The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael & St George (CMG), Companion's breast badge, gold and enamel with riband buckle Badge of the Order of St John of Jerusalem South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1877-8-9 Cape of Good Hope General Service, 1880-97, three clasps, Transkei, Basutoland, Bechuanaland Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal King's South Africa, 1901-02, two dated clasps, mounted for wearing, QSA suspension post slightly offset but generally extremely fine; together with corresponding riband bar for the full size medals.
Colonel Edmund Baron Hartley, VC, CMG (1847-1919) was born in Ivybridge, Devon, and served with Cape Mounted Rifles from 1877-1902. Hartley was 32 years of age at the time of the so-called Basuto Gun War and won his VC for the following action:-
'On 5 June 1879 in South Africa, Surgeon Major Hartley attended the wounded under fire at the unsuccessful attack at Morosi's Mountain, Basutoland. From an exposed position, on open ground, he carried in his arms a wounded corporal of the Cape Mounted Riflemen. The surgeon major then returned under severe enemy fire in order to dress the wounds of other men of the storming party'
Hartley was presented with his VC in 1881 after it had taken some time to be approved. The regiment's commanding officer was under the impression that Colonial Troops were not entitled to the VC. Hartley's full size group is displayed in the Royal Army Medical Services Museum in Surrey, having been purchased by the regiment at a Sotheby's Auction in 1955 at the then record price of £300
There were 13 recipients of the Cape of Good Hope General Service medal to qualify for all three bars, of which Hartley was the unique VC winner.
Estimate £1500-2000
Picture courtesy of Dominic Winter
A unique and unusually interesting miniature 'Basuto Gun War' VC group attributed to Surgeon Major (later Colonel) Edmund Baron Hartley, VC, CMG Victoria Cross The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael & St George (CMG), Companion's breast badge, gold and enamel with riband buckle Badge of the Order of St John of Jerusalem South Africa 1877-79, one clasp, 1877-8-9 Cape of Good Hope General Service, 1880-97, three clasps, Transkei, Basutoland, Bechuanaland Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal King's South Africa, 1901-02, two dated clasps, mounted for wearing, QSA suspension post slightly offset but generally extremely fine; together with corresponding riband bar for the full size medals.
Colonel Edmund Baron Hartley, VC, CMG (1847-1919) was born in Ivybridge, Devon, and served with Cape Mounted Rifles from 1877-1902. Hartley was 32 years of age at the time of the so-called Basuto Gun War and won his VC for the following action:-
'On 5 June 1879 in South Africa, Surgeon Major Hartley attended the wounded under fire at the unsuccessful attack at Morosi's Mountain, Basutoland. From an exposed position, on open ground, he carried in his arms a wounded corporal of the Cape Mounted Riflemen. The surgeon major then returned under severe enemy fire in order to dress the wounds of other men of the storming party'
Hartley was presented with his VC in 1881 after it had taken some time to be approved. The regiment's commanding officer was under the impression that Colonial Troops were not entitled to the VC. Hartley's full size group is displayed in the Royal Army Medical Services Museum in Surrey, having been purchased by the regiment at a Sotheby's Auction in 1955 at the then record price of £300
There were 13 recipients of the Cape of Good Hope General Service medal to qualify for all three bars, of which Hartley was the unique VC winner.
Estimate £1500-2000
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I have old photos to share - by: LeanneButler
I just received some of my Great Grandfather's photo's. My Great Grandfather's name is William Douglas Butler. I'd love to share some photos but I'm having trouble uploading.
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Lance Corporal E. L. Simmonds, Gordon Highlanders - died 18.3.1902 - by: BereniceUK
A WOUNDED GORDON HIGHLANDER'S RETURN TO TOWCESTER.
When it became known on Saturday afternoon that Corporal Ernest Simmonds, of the Gordon Highlanders, who had been very severely wounded in the head and legs at the front, and had been in Netley Hospital for some months, was expected to arrive at Towcester by the 4.45 train on a short visit to his mother, the inhabitants quickly arranged to give him a hearty reception. The firemen in their uniforms, bearing lighted torches, and a large number of friends and townspeople, assembled at the station. As the train steamed in, hearty cheers were given for the gallant young soldier, and as soon as he had alighted from the train he was assisted by his brothers to a carriage which was decorated with flags, and on the seat of which Captain Crow and another fireman were seated bearing lighted torches. Amidst cheers, the horses were then taken out, and headed by the firemen bearing lighted torches, the carriage was drawn by willing hands through the town to Corporal Simmonds's home. Mr. S. C. Simmonds, on behalf of his brother, who seemed thoroughly exhausted by his journey, his wounds having left him very weak and lame, thanked all his friend most heartily for the grand reception they had given his brother that evening. He was sure his brother felt it very much indeed, and that he was proud to think that he had done his duty to his Queen and country. (Loud cheering). The company then dispersed.
Lance-Corporal Simmonds was, before the war broke out, following his father's profession of a musician at Aberdeen. He was also a Volunteer, and when there was a call for civilian soldiers he was one of the first to respond. After being to the front in many engagements, he was terribly wounded at the battle of Doornkop, an explosive bullet going in near the right temple and coming out at the back of his head. Whilst on the ground he was shot through the leg, a Mauser bullet going in at the knee and coming out at the back of the calf. These serious wounds were inflicted on his father's birthday. Though still suffering severely from the effects of his wounds, he is in good spirits, and his only regret is that he is incapacitated for further military service.
Northampton Mercury, Friday 30th November 1900
DEATHS.
SIMMONDS. - March 18th, at Kington, Herefordshire, Ernest Lovell, fourth son of the late William Simmonds, of Towcester, aged 28.
Northampton Mercury, Friday 21st March 1902
He's named on Towcester's memorial plaque in the Parish Church (Northamptonshire).
When it became known on Saturday afternoon that Corporal Ernest Simmonds, of the Gordon Highlanders, who had been very severely wounded in the head and legs at the front, and had been in Netley Hospital for some months, was expected to arrive at Towcester by the 4.45 train on a short visit to his mother, the inhabitants quickly arranged to give him a hearty reception. The firemen in their uniforms, bearing lighted torches, and a large number of friends and townspeople, assembled at the station. As the train steamed in, hearty cheers were given for the gallant young soldier, and as soon as he had alighted from the train he was assisted by his brothers to a carriage which was decorated with flags, and on the seat of which Captain Crow and another fireman were seated bearing lighted torches. Amidst cheers, the horses were then taken out, and headed by the firemen bearing lighted torches, the carriage was drawn by willing hands through the town to Corporal Simmonds's home. Mr. S. C. Simmonds, on behalf of his brother, who seemed thoroughly exhausted by his journey, his wounds having left him very weak and lame, thanked all his friend most heartily for the grand reception they had given his brother that evening. He was sure his brother felt it very much indeed, and that he was proud to think that he had done his duty to his Queen and country. (Loud cheering). The company then dispersed.
Lance-Corporal Simmonds was, before the war broke out, following his father's profession of a musician at Aberdeen. He was also a Volunteer, and when there was a call for civilian soldiers he was one of the first to respond. After being to the front in many engagements, he was terribly wounded at the battle of Doornkop, an explosive bullet going in near the right temple and coming out at the back of his head. Whilst on the ground he was shot through the leg, a Mauser bullet going in at the knee and coming out at the back of the calf. These serious wounds were inflicted on his father's birthday. Though still suffering severely from the effects of his wounds, he is in good spirits, and his only regret is that he is incapacitated for further military service.
Northampton Mercury, Friday 30th November 1900
DEATHS.
SIMMONDS. - March 18th, at Kington, Herefordshire, Ernest Lovell, fourth son of the late William Simmonds, of Towcester, aged 28.
Northampton Mercury, Friday 21st March 1902
He's named on Towcester's memorial plaque in the Parish Church (Northamptonshire).
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Officers and N.C.OS 36th squadron 11 regt I.Y. - S.A. 1901 - by: LeanneButler
From the personal collection of William Douglas Butler
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Spion Kop despatches - by: djb
SOUTH AFRICA
THE SPION KOP DESPATCHES
Presented to Parliament by Command of His Majesty.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE,
BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST.MARTIN’S LANE,
Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty.
And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
EYRE & SPOTTISWOODE, East
Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C.,
and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W.;
or OLIVER & BOYD, Edinburgh,
or E. PONSONBY, 116, Grafton Street, Dublin.1902.
[Cd. 968] Price 5d.
THE SPION KOP DESPATCHES
Presented to Parliament by Command of His Majesty.
LONDON:
PRINTED FOR HIS MAJESTY’S STATIONERY OFFICE,
BY HARRISON AND SONS, ST.MARTIN’S LANE,
Printers in Ordinary to His Majesty.
And to be purchased, either directly or through any Bookseller, from
EYRE & SPOTTISWOODE, East
Harding Street, Fleet Street, E.C.,
and 32, Abingdon Street, Westminster, S.W.;
or OLIVER & BOYD, Edinburgh,
or E. PONSONBY, 116, Grafton Street, Dublin.1902.
[Cd. 968] Price 5d.
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