Middleton Town Guard - by: djb

November 20, 2016, 9:01 am

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The sale of a QSA to this TG last week on eBay made my realise the unit was missing from the list of TGs on the site.

I have remedied that oversight now. 36 men on the roll.

angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-...middleton-town-guard

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Medals to Isandhlwana casualties - by: djb

April 17, 2017, 8:49 am

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From DNW, December 2004.

Pictures courtesy of DNW

The South African campaign medal to Sub-Lieutenant T. L. G. Griffith, 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, youngest of the battalion’s five officers killed at the battle of Isandhlwana

SAGS (1) 1877-8-9 (Sub-Lieut. T. L. Griffiths, 2/24th Foot)

Ex Spink auction 28 March 1995 and formerly in the collections of Dr S. Z. Ross and Norman Holme.

Thomas Llewelyn George Griffith was born at Chadlington, Oxfordshire, on 8 October 1857, eldest son of the Reverend Thomas Llewelyn Griffith, M.A., of Pen-yNant, near Ruabon, North Wales, and Rector OD Deal, Kent, and Mary Moncrieff, his wife, daughter of Brevet Major George St Vincent Whitmore, Royal Engineers.

He was educated at Marlborough College and at the Priory at Croydon, passing his Army examination as well as those at Sandhurst and Edinburgh, where for a period he was attached to the 78th Highlanders. On 14th August 1877 he was gazetted as a Sub-Lieutenant into the 2nd Battalion, 24th Foot, his commission being antedated to 11 November 1876.

He joined the battalion at Chatham in October 1877, and on 1 February 1878 embarked with the regiment for the Cape of Good Hope. He was present during many operations during the Kaffir War and saw much service with his battalion. In November 1878, he joined the force preparing for the invasion of Zululand, and took part in the subsequent advance into that country, being present at the storming of Sirayo’s stronghold in the Bashee Valley, afterwards proceeding to Isandhlwana.

On the morning of 22nd January 1879, Griffith left Isandhlwana with the main body of the column under Lord Chelmsford, but subsequently rode back on special service with Major Smith, Captain Gardner and Lieutenant Dyer, to convey the General’s orders to advance the camp. Colonel Black, visiting the battlefield five months afterwards, for the purpose of burying the dead, found the bodies of some sixty officers and men lying in a group, giving evidence of their having gathered together and fought desperately to the last. Among them were the remains of Captain Wardell, Lieutenant Dyer and a captain and subaltern of the 2-24th, the latter, it is believed, being the body of young Griffith.

A memorial lectern in the parish church of St Leonard’s, Deal, marks the estimation in which he was held by those round his own home, having been placed there by friends in his father’s parish and the neighbourhood. His South Africa medal with clasp 1877-8-9, incorrectly named ‘Griffiths’, was issued on 30 June 1882. The above information was extracted from The South African Campaign of 1879, by J. P. Mackinnon and S. H. Shadbolt, and The Noble 24th, by Norman Holme.

Sold for £13,000.

Medals to Q Battery RHA - by: djb

April 9, 2018, 12:52 pm

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‘It is scarcely neccessary for me to allude at any length to the work done by ‘Q’ Battery during the present war. You are not likely to forget the Sannah’s Post affair, when the little force to which we were attached was completely surprised in the early hours of the morning. As at Kushab, in 1857, the effectiveness of the fire of the guns, and the heroism and steadiness shown by all ranks of the battery, helped in no small degree to extricate the force from the dangerous position in which it was placed’
Lord Roberts’ speech upon presenting Medals to ‘Q’ Battery at Woolwich on 13 January 1902

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (7) RoK Paar Drie Joh DH Witt SA01 (70829 Gnr. H. Knibbs, Q. B. R.H.A.)

Harry Knibbs was born at Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire in 1869. Enlisting in the Royal Horse Artillery at Woolwich on 5 February 1889, he served with ‘Q’ Battery, Royal Horse Artillery in South Africa. As a result of De Wet’s ambush of General Broadwood’s Brigade at Korn Spruit (Sannah’s Post) on 31 March 1900, ‘Q’ Battery Royal Horse Artillery behaved with great gallantry and managed to save four of its guns from an apparently hopeless situation. The conduct of the battery was praised by Brigadier-General Broadwood in his report on the action. As a result of this report, Lord Roberts took the unusual step of ordering the battery to ballot for the Victoria Cross, to choose one officer, one non-commissioned officer, one gunner and one driver to receive the coveted award, there being no other fair way to choose four from so many who performed so heroically on that day. As a result, Major Edmund John Phipps-Hornby, Sergeant Charles Edward Haydon Parker, Gunner Isaac Lodge, and Driver Horace Henry Glasock were each awarded the Victoria Cross.

Living in his native Buckinghamshire, Knibbs is noted as the Akeley Cricket Captain and church violinist (Buckingham Advertiser and Free Press, 4 May 1929 and 21 October 1933, refers). He died at Bognor Regis on 14 September 1956.

Bronze QSAs to Europeans - list of surviving medals - by: djb

December 3, 2018, 1:48 am

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In the OMRS Journal of 1981, J V Webb published an article listing the Bronze QSAs to European recipients. This was collated by My Webb going through each roll page. Without his list there would be no way to identify the bronze QSAs as they are scattered throughout the rolls. Acknowledging the enormous debt to J V Webb, I have taken his list of names and started to add the page references in WO100 to the award.

I have also started to identify the bronze QSAs that are known to survive. These are marked in blue.

This is ongoing research. If anyone has any information to add, please post a comment and I will update the list on this initial post.


Abbott, Horace. Servant to Lt Col Viscount Coke, Norfolk RGA Militia. (WO100/146p122).

Allsopp, A. Officers’ Mess Cook, 1st South Staffs. Regiment. (WO100/188).

Anthon, J. D. Coloured Ammunition Driver, South African Light Horse. Issued 1904. Regimental No. 23. (WO100/300).

Arundel, James. Servant to Col. A. E. Codrington, 3rd Coldstream Gds. (WO100/164).

Aspinall, C B. Nursing Orderly at Ladysmith. Contracted enteric fever at Intombi camp and died on board a hospital ship after 15 January 190? [last digit missing from the roll]. (WO100/224p215).

Baldwin, Thomas. Civilian servant to H H Gatliff (WO Agent for distribution of parcels). (WO100/299p215).

Baptiste, John. Servant to Capt J Forbes, IY (WO100/297).

Bartolo, Carmelo. Civilian servant to Capt. G. St. Aubyn, Thorneycroft’s MI. Medal issued. (WO100/300p3 and 277).

Batice, P. Chef to Officers’ Mess, 2nd Manchester Regiment. On the roll as ‘civilian follower’. Medal issued 14 April 1904. QSA (0). City Coins November 2018. (WO100/198p179).

Beech, Thomas. Civilian lunatic attendant. (WO100/224p216).

Bell, Francis. Civilian servant to Major A S Warwick, Remount Dept, (late 3rd WYR). (WO100/234).

Bennett, E H. Orderly at Ladysmith. (WO100/224p217).

Berkman, John. Servant to Capt Lane-Fox, IY. (WO100/297).

Bickerton, Walter. Civilian servant (Army pensioner) to Capt. E J Pryse, 1 VB, Welsh Regiment, on Special Service with MI (Gloucester Regiment). (WO100/190).

Birch, William. Civilian servant to Col C H Gardiner, First MI Column. (WO100/217).

Brew, B J. Civilian servant to Capt W H Haig, 6 Dragoons. (WO100/115).

Cable, Charles. Civilian servant Maj T W Roand, 10th Hussars. PoW at Sanna's Post. [WO100/116p189]

Cerkel, P. Civilian Farrier with ASC. On St. Helena roll. Medal returned to Woolwich 28 October 1908. (WO100/212p214).

Clark, William. Civilian Groom to Major Agar, RE. (WO100/?).

Clarke, A. Civilian valet to Maj Gen Clery. (WO100/299p217).

Collins, Miss H. Lady typist with Central Claims Board, WO. Letter of 1907 says female typists not eligible for medal. (WO100/216).

Cooper, Mrs. Lady typist with Central Claims Board, WO. Letter of 1907 says female typists not eligible for medal. (WO100/216).

Cormelius, A. No 187, Tpr, Dennison's Scouts. QSA issued 14 November 1912. QSA sold on BidorBuy, 22 July 2017 for R 11,272. (WO100/244p172

Crane, W. Civilian servant to Capt W Nailson, 3rd HLI (12th MI). (WO100/202).

Crole, A C. Civilian watchman at Zwartkop Bridge. (WO100/279).

Crozet, Louis. No rank stated; served with AOD, Cape Colony. Medal issued 11 January 06, but returned unclaimed. (WO100/233).

Dally, John. Pte, servant to Gen Forestier-Walker. (WO100/299).

Davidson, J. Servant to chaplains, 16 Bde. Staff. Returned to Scotland, November 1901. Medal issued 21 October 1902. (WO100/299p40).

De Souza, A. Servant to Major Chamney, Lumsden’s Horse. (WO100/297).

Deucher, R. Chef on the Princess Christian Ambulance Train. (WO100/224p208).

Dias, George. Servant to Capt Forbes, 5th (Warwick) IY. Medal issued, no date given. (WO100/297).

Dicketts, Charles J. Conductor, 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. Listed on the RA nominal roll WO100/137p51. (WO100/216p161).

Escalette, Sylvain. Officer’s servant with 9th Lancers, IY and with Lord Chesham’s Staff. (WO100/130p127).

Field, C. Servant to Chief Engineer, RE. (WO100/155).

Finlay, A. H. Attendant at Convent Hospital, Estcourt. (WO100/224p220).

Franstaedter, L. L. [Not found]. Lady Typist with A.A.G. Transport. Also listed as Lady Typist with initial A C (same woman?) on WO100/230p94 with note saying not entitled to SA01 and SA02. (WO100/216p94).

Frost, A. Officer’s servant with Army Telegraph Service. Medal issue 24 January 1905. (WO100/155p84).

Fuller, John. Civilian servant to Col A E W Goldsmid, 6th Division. Roll does not specify that a bronze medal was issued. Possibly silver. (WO100/299p61)

Garvey, J. Civilian, with Army Vet Dept. Issued 27 September 1906. (WO100/230 & 217).

Griffiths, E. Civilian servant to Lt C R Johnson, 7th Field Co, RE. Medal issued 1906, but returned 1913, ‘address unknown’. (WO100/155).

Harper, no initial. Civilian Conductor, 36 Co SD RGA. (WO100/216p178)

Harvey, G. Civilian servant to Earl of Rosslyn, Thorneycroft’s MI. Issued 15 October 1909. WO100/300p3 & 277). Earned the Egypt Medal and Khedive Star

Harwood, J. Civilian Driver with 11 Field Co, RE. Died at Kimberley 1 June 1900. Medal issued 5 January 1903. (WO100/156).

Head, W. Civilian Groom to Lt Cavendish, 1st LG. (WO100/112).

Hendricks, H. Cape Driver with ASC. On St. Helena roll. Medal issued, but returned to Woolwich 28 October 1908. (WO100/212p214).

Hextall, William Thomas. Civilian servant to Major C B Wood. Medal issued 18 March 1902. (WO100/229p273).

Hilliard, no initial. Civilian Conductor with 36 Co SD RGA. (WO100/216 p178).

Hopkins, A. Civilian with 3rd Grenadier Gds. Roll is marked as ‘Bronze issued’, although it also says ‘Enlisted in Nesbit’s Horse’. (WO100/163).

Hyde, Frank. Servant to Gen Rundle. (WO100/299p216).

Impy, A D. Civilian Conductor with 36 Co SD RGA. (WO100/216 p178).

Jago, R. Chef at Officers’ Convalescent Home, Johannesburg. (WO100/224).

Jardine, R. Civilian groom to Major Cavendish, FID, Harrismith District. Arrived in South Africa 31 March 1900 and remained in service until 29 September 1902. Address: c/o J Jardine, 10 Budhill Avenue, Shettleston, Glasgow. (WO100/301p193).

Jobson, Robert. Civilian Groom to Maj Gen A Wauchope. QSA (0) bronze (Robert Jobson). City Coins 2014. (WO100/299p279).

Johnson, H. Groom to Col A E Codrington, Commanding 1st Coldstream Gds. (WO100/164).

Johnstone, J. Civilian servant to HQ Staff. (WO100/299p28).

Knott, William. Servant to Capt Warre, KRRC, from September 190 to the end of hostilities (WO100/197p84).

Lawson, Miss G. Lady typist. (WO100/216).

Lezano, M. Groom to Surgeon General McNamara, RAMC. (WO100/224).

Lineham, W. Servant with 9th Division staff. (WO100/299).

Lount, W. Civilian servant with 3rd West Riding Regiment. (WO100/186).

Lovemore, H. Civilian Conductor with 36 Co SD RGA. (WO100/216 p178).

Lunge, H. J. Interpreter on H.M.S. Thetis. This is the only bronze medal known on the Naval rolls. Issued 10 March 1902. (Adm 171/53).

Lutchman, M. “Indian servant” to Capt Fielden, 7th Hussars. Bronze medal issued. (WO100/115p259 and p259A).

McCoy, William Henry. Civilian servant, late 12 Lancers, to Lt Col A B Cottell, RAMC. Assisted with signalling. Probably a silver medal. (WO100/219p114).

Mackay, James S. Conductor, No. 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. (WO100/216p161).

McKenna, no initial. Civilian Conductor, 36 Co SD RGA. (WO100/216 p178).

Mapstone, George. Conductor, No. 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. Listed on RA nominal roll WO100/137p137. (WO100/216p161).

Maxim, William. Civilian servant to late Lt B T Rose, TMI. Issued 8 December 1907 to C D Rose MP, Hardwick House, Whitchurch, Oxfordshire. QSA (0) (Civ. Servant W. Maxim). DNW September 2013 £280. (WO100/277p140).

Milandri, E. Civilian servant to 3rd Grenadier Guards. (WO100/163p233).

Moorehead, J. Conductor, No. 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. (WO100/216p161).

Nice, Edward. Civilian servant to Maj Gen Wilson. (WO100/299p299).

Oakley, E. Civilian servant to Lt Hon Hugh Robertson (who was killed as a result of an accident at Johannesburg whilst serving with the 14th Hussars., 1 February 1901), 1st Bn IY. QSA (0) (Mr E. Oakley). DNW September 1999 £400. (WO100/218 & 134)

Offord, Samuel. Civilian servant to 3rd Grenadier Guards. (WO100/163p233).

Pearce, W. Servant to Lt Col. G F Cuthbert, 1st Scots Guards. (WO100/165).

Perrier, F. Servant to 9th Div staff. Issued 13 June 1918, and delivered to France. Perrier was a French subject. (WO100/299).

Perring, W. Civilian Groom to Maj Gen Clery. (WO100/299p217).

Pettifer, W. Servant to Capt. G C Tryon, Scots Guards. Formerly No. 1383, Pte, Scots Guards. Issued. (WO100/163).

Pike, W. Pensioner Canteen Steward to 1st Border Regiment. A note on the medal roll, dated 1932, says ‘Not clear what issue’. (WO100/186).

Pinnick, F W. Civilian, Camp Follower to 1st RIF. (WO100/183).

Pollard, J. Civilian servant to 9th Lancers. (WO100/116).

Porter, James. Civilian Groom to Lt Col. H A Lawrence, 17th Lancers. Presumably in bronze. (WO100/118).

Rand, William. Civilian servant to 3rd Grenadier Guards. Died 6 November 1900. (WO100/163 p233).

Read, J. Chef on the Princess Christian Ambulance Train. (WO100/224 p208).

Reynolds, J. Civilian servant to Major T L Hare, Norfolk RGA Militia. (WO100/146p122).

Rich, H. Civilian servant to Gen Kitchener. (WO100/299p312).

Romanis, B D. Cinhalose (sic.) Camp Follower with Ceylon Volunteer Co., Gloucester Regiment. (WO100/183).

Root, Alfred. Servant to Gen Rundle. (WO100/299p216).

Rough, Robert. Civilian servant to Col Robert E S Harrington-Stuart. Also had the Crimea Medal according to J V Webb. (WO100/299p208).

Sear, Charles. Civilian servant to HQ staff. Invalided home from Bloemfontein with enteric. (WO100/299p28).

September, S. Servant to Nursing Sisters. (WO100/229).

Souza, N. Servant to Lt Col C E Sandbach. (WO100/297).

Stockton, W. Pte, servant to Capt W Harrison, 3rd LNLR. Possibly bronze. (WO100/192).

Stott. K A. Staadt Watchmen’s List, Mafeking. Issued 13 August 1924. QSA (0), ABO, LvW, trio. (WO100/300p174).

Swoffer, A C. Servant to Lt Col Edmondstone, AHC. Late Sgt, 4th Hussars. (WO100/219p113).

Titcombe, Henry. Civilian servant to 4th Somerset LI. (WO100/175p141). Also listed on SLI KSA roll WO100/323p247 as not entitled.

Tree, Alfred. Civilian servant to Major A Bright-Smith, Hampshire Yeomanry. QSA (0). Spink Centenary Sale 1999 £220.

Turner, Walter. Conductor in No. 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. (WO100/216p161).

Tuttlebee, A. Civilian Subordinate, attached RAMC. (WO100/224p228).

Vandermerwe, R. Conductor to No. 6 Co WD RGA. Issued 23 July 1903. (WO100/216p161). Also listed on WO100/137p196 (RA nominal roll)

Vickery, William Jesse. Civilian servant to 4th Somerset LI. (WO100/175p141). Also listed on SLI KSA roll WO100/323p247 as not entitled.

Viglieno, B. Attendant, attached RAMC. (WO100/224p229).

White, W. Civilian servant to 2/Lt Lord Brooke, 1st LG. Issued. (WO100/112).

Whitecross, G. Civilian servant to Lt. E E B Wilson, 7 Field Co, RE. Issued 1906, but returned 1913, ‘address unknown’. (WO100/155).

Wright, W H. Civilian servant to H G Morgan, ASC. Issued February 1913. (WO100/218).

Wynne, John. Civilian servant to the late Capt Stewart Robertson, attached 14th Hussars. Address 3 Marshall Street, Mayfair, London. (WO100/117p366).

Wow, Frank Kelley - 6,000 posts - by: djb

March 22, 2019, 11:15 am

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You reached a magnificent milestone today, Frank with your 6,000th post.

You have always helped and guided members with their research and shared your immense knowledge of the field with us all. I can't thank you enough for the support you have given to this site for so many years.

With thanks again and very best wishes
David

DSOs for the BSACM campaigns - by: djb

April 3, 2019, 12:11 am

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Picture courtesy of DNW

CB gold HM 1879
CMG b/b
CBE (!st type)
DSO VR
BSCAM for Rhodesia 1896 (Captn. J. S. Nicholson. 7th Huss.);
QSA (4) RoM OFS Tr Rhod (Colonel J. S. Nicholson, C.B. D.S.O. 7/Hrs.);
KSA (2) (Colonel J. S. Nicholson, S.A.C.);
1914 Star (Col. J. S. Nicholson. C.B.. C.M.G.. D.S.O..);
BWM and VM with MID (Brig. Gen. J. S. Nicholson);
France, Third Republic, Legion of Honour, Officer’s breast badge, gold and enamels, with rosette, in its Aucoc, Paris case of issue;
Belgium, Kingdom, Order of Leopold, Officer’s breast badge with swords, silver-gilt and enamels, with rosette in its L. Lelu case of issue;
Portugal, Republic, Order of Avis, Second Class set of insignia by Da Costa, Lisboa, silver-gilt and enamels, complete with neck cravat in its Da Costa case of issue;
Belgium, Kingdom, Croix de Guerre, bronze;
Panama, Republic, Solidarity Medal 1917-18, Third Class, bronze, with rosette

CB London Gazette 7 May 1897.
CMG London Gazette 9 November 1905.
CBE London Gazette 3 June 1918.
DSO London Gazette 7 May 1897: ‘In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa in 1896.’

Relief of Mafeking clasp confirmed on roll of South African Constabulary ‘With Gen. Plumer B.S.A.P.’

John Sanctuary Nicholson was born in Kensington, London, on 19 May 1863, second son of W. Nicholson, of Basing Park, Alton, Hampshire. He was educated at Harrow, was commissioned from Sandhurst as Lieutenant in the 7th Hussars on 6 February 1884, and was promoted to Captain on 23 January 1891. He spent eight years in India with his regiment before being sent to Rhodesia, on special service, in the aftermath of the Jameson Raid into the Transvaal, and was deputed to take over the ordnance and ammunition of the British South Africa Company's police in Bulawayo from Lieutenant-Colonel Plumer. As a result of the Jameson Raid the colony was practically denuded of European police and the British South Africa Police were now divided into two divisions, Mashonaland and Matabeleland, with headquarters at Salisbury and Bulawayo respectively. Nicholson was appointed the first commander of the Matabeleland Division of police and at the outbreak of the Matabeleland Rebellion in 1896, he was the only Imperial Army officer on the spot. During these operations Nicholson played a distinguished part and the B.S.A. Police established itself incontestably as Rhodesia’s first line of defence. He was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 9 March 1897), received the Medal, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. Nicholson is mentioned throughout Lieutenant-Colonel Herbert Plumer’s excellent narrative of the campaign An Irregular Corps in Matabeleland.

Nicholson was Commandant-General of the British South Africa Police from November 1898 to October 1900. He became Major on 27 May 1899, and served in the South African War, 1899-1902, first in command of the B.S.A. Police and a Brigade of Bushmen, and afterwards in command of the 1st Brigade, Rhodesia Field Force. He was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 16 April 1901); was given the Brevet of Lieutenant-Colonel 29 November 1900; received the Queen’s Medal with four clasps and the King’s Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Bath.

He was Inspector-General of Volunteers in Rhodesia from 1898 and was employed with the South African Constabulary from 23 October 1902, until 8 July 1903, when he succeeded Baden-Powell as Inspector-General of the South African Constabulary, a position he held until 20 August 1905, when he retired and was rewarded with the C.M.G. He became Lieutenant-Colonel on 8 July 1903, and Colonel on 23 February 1907.

During the First World War Colonel Nicholson held a special appointment as O.C. Reinforcements at St Nazaire from 15 September 1914 to 23 April 1915, when he became Base Commandant at Havre. He was temporary Brigadier-General and Base Commandant, British Armies in France, 2 December 1916 to 31 December 1918. For his work during the war he was created a C.B.E. in the 1918 King’s Birthday Honours’ List.

Nicholson retired from the Army in 1920 and in the following year was elected the Conservative Member for the Westminster Abbey constituency in a by-election following the death of the incumbent M.P., being re-elected in the following two general elections of 1922 and 1923. Nicholson was never married and resided both at Bordean House, Langrish, Petersfield, and at South Audley Street, Mayfair. He was Vice-Chairman of the Hampshire Territorial Force Association, and died on 21 February 1924, of pneumonia at his house at South Audley Street.

Sold with a French Government presentation medal ‘Offert au nom du Departement par le Prefet de la Seine Infe’, dated ‘1914-1918’, hallmarked gold, 33mm, in fitted Arthus Bertrand case, the lid with gold embossed dedication ‘Au Brigadier-Général Nicholson Commandant La Base Britannique au Havre’; and a Belgian silver medal by G. Devreese, 75mm, dedicated to Brand Whitlock, American Minister in Brussels, ‘A son Excellence Brand Whitlock La Belgique Reconnaissante 1914-1915’.

6621 Private Arthur Edward Plowright, 2nd V.B. Lincolnshire Regiment - by: BereniceUK

May 8, 2019, 10:49 am

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I wonder if the cup presented to him is still in the family.

FOR THE FRONT . - A hearty send-off was accorded private A. E. Plowright, H Company, 2nd Batt. L.V., on Thursday week. About one o'clock a large concourse assembled in the Market-place, and a procession was formed, headed by the Market Deeping Brass band, to the Cross, where "God save the Queen" and "Auld lang syne" were played, and, amid much hearty cheering, private Plowright left in a waggonette to join his comrades at Bourne.

The Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury, Friday 2nd February 1900

__________________

A meeting was held at the Bull inn on Friday evening in connection with the return of private A. E. Plowright, who has been with the Active Service contingent of the H Company, 2nd V.R. Lincs. Regt. Mr. J. Needham was elected chairman, and Mr. F. Shillaker hon. sec. A subscription list was opened with the object of making a presentation to private Plowright at some future date in recognition of his active service in South Africa. - On Saturday a ready response was made to the committee's appeal to give the gallant Volunteer a hearty welcome. Church-street, High-street, the Market-place, and several other parts of the town were brightened by a liberal display of flags, &c. Over the road at the entrance to Towngate were suspended the words "Welcome Home" and floral decorations. A flag was also hoisted on the church tower. The gallant townsman arrived from Bourne on Saturday evening about 7 o'clock in a decorated waggonette drawn by a pair of horses, and had a cheering reception. He was met outside the town by the Market Deeping brass band and a large number of the inhabitants, and a procession was formed, several Regulars and Volunteers in uniform forming an escort. On arriving in Towngate vociferous cheers were given and a halt was made at private Plowright's home. Upon restarting, the procession went through the streets, returning to the Market-place, where cheers were given for the brave warrior, who returned thanks for the hearty reception given him. "God save the King" was played, and Mr. Plowright was driven home amidst much cheering.

The Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury, Friday 24th May 1901

__________________

Private A. E. Plowright is to be presented with a cup as a memento of his service in South Africa.

The Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury, Friday 12th July 1901

__________________

On Saturday, after company drill, priv. A. E. Plowright was presented with a solid silver cup in recognition of his services in the South African war. The cup was beautifully decorated with maidenhair and other ferns, and on it was the inscription: - "Presented to private A. E. Plowright, H Company, 2nd Vol. Batt. Lincs. Regt., by the inhabitants of Market Deeping, on his return from active service in South Africa. May, 1901." The presentation was made by Capt. Bell in the Market-place, in the presence of a large concourse. The Market Deeping brass band was in attendance. Mr. J. Needham was chairman and Mr. F. Shillaker secretary of the committee.

The Lincoln, Rutland, and Stamford Mercury, Friday 19th July 1901

Second Lieut W. V. S. McLaren, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders-26.7.1900 - by: BereniceUK

May 9, 2019, 11:45 am

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In St Cuthbert's Presbyterian Church, Edinburgh.

Note the "Argyle" below.

This Tiffany window depicts David going out to fight Goliath. There seem to be only three Tiffany windows in the UK, and two of them commemorate fallen Scottish soldiers during the ABW, so this is a very special window.

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100,000 views of the Indian Contingent thread - by: djb

May 10, 2019, 12:25 am

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A huge thank you to David Grant for starting the thread on the Indian Contingent which has just surpassed 100,000 views, the site's most popular thread.

A Conductor with Julius Weil & the A.S.C. - John MacDonald - by: Rory

May 11, 2019, 7:05 am

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John MacDonald

Conductor, Imperial Transport Service (Julius Weil)
Conductor, 33 B Company, Army Service Corps – Anglo Boer War
Signaller, Divisional Signal Corps, German East Africa - WWI

- Queens South Africa Medal to 93 Condr. J. McDonald, A.S.C.
- British War Medal to Pte. J. McDonald, D.S.C.
- Victory Medal to Pte. J. McDonald, D.S.C.

John MacDonald was a Scotsman through and through, born in about 1879 in Dundee, Scotland to a hardworking, widowed mother by the name of Jane.

Of his early years in Scotland we know nought but, at the time the Anglo Boer War broke out in South Africa In 1899, he was ready to do his duty. That he was in South Africa at the time can be surmised by the first outfit with who he served – the Imperial Transport Service, better known as Julius Weil’s Company.

The following extract comes from Lady Brigg's book 'The staff work of the Anglo-Boer war, 1899-1901' and provides us with more than a glimpse of what the work and conditions were like for a transport man:-

In dealing with the work done during the campaign by the army field transport, it would be impossible to omit the mention of the invaluable services rendered to the Government by the firm of Julius Weil & Co., whose name is well known to all in connection with the provisioning of Mafeking, during the nine months it was besieged, and the assistance the firm rendered in every way to General Baden Powell during that trying time. As far back as 1887, Julius Weil was called "the man that moves the army."

In the ordinary way, this firm of contractors carry on a business something like " Carter, Paterson," with this vast difference : that their carrying or transporting work has to be done over large tracts of thinly populated country, instead of conveying goods to teeming multitudes in a circumference of a few square miles as in London and the suburbs.

The firm of Julius Weil & Co., Government contractors, were merged into "The Imperial Transport Service," their officers being given temporary army rank. To distinguish them they wore the initials of I. T. S. on their shoulders, and of course they were clad in khaki.

What England would have done in the South African crisis without the loyalty and help of such firms as Julius Weil, both at home and in the affected districts, it is hard to say.

The tract of country between Mafeking and Pretoria was largely served by the Imperial Transport Service, and, indeed, the advance convoys were sent as far as Machadodorp, if not actually as far as to Pilgrims' Rest. The firm employed over 2000 waggons, which required about 40,000 oxen to work; and as large quantities were from time to time captured by the enemy, numbers of oxen killed through one cause and another, it needed no less than from 85,000 to 100,000 oxen to keep up the efficiency of the service.

The firm employed in drivers and leaders nearly 7000 men (natives), in overseers, conductors, and inspectors (who had all to be mounted), about 500. The clerical staff alone exceeded 200 men. The number of miles travelled backwards and forwards by the oxen was considerably over 25,000; and this enormous distance was covered by these slow-going beasts under the most trying circumstances, such as forced marching and within range of the enemy's fire.

The difficulties to be overcome by the contractors can be better appreciated when I explain that as many as 200 waggons, with their teams of sixteen oxen each, have been captured at one time; the loss being made good immediately, and the work of transport proceeding without delay.

The officers employed had to obtain waggons and teams by voluntary sale from various farmers, in small lots and at great distances; they then had to collect them at given points and get them away in safety a feat that was not always successfully accomplished, as De Wet or some other Boer general would be first at the given points and swoop away the lot!

The oxen used in the Imperial transport service were all South African bred, and those purchased to fill up casualties had to go on foot to the chief centres of the firm, as the rolling-stock of the railway was all required for the movement of troops.

Convoys have to carry, in addition to military stores, a large amount of baggage for their own use on the road, as well as for the troops that escort them. They take with them such uninteresting things (which are also very heavy) as buck-sails, iron pails, pots and pans, waggon grease, lifting jacks, picks, shovels, extra reims, bolts, screws, shackles, and a variety of tools that appear to me to belong to a forge or a blacksmith's shop.

As the Boers made a point of burning up the grass behind them, extra weight had to be carried in fodder for the oxen, which at other times grazed on the veld; and, as a matter of fact, they thrive better on the stumpy grass, however scanty, than on the best forage that could be given to them.

To keep an army of over a quarter of a million of men fed and mobile over a whole continent, 6000 miles from the main base, is a feat that any army and its organisers may feel proud; and in spite of all that may be said to the disparagement of the War Office, the Admiralty, and the Treasury, the nation has every reason to be satisfied with the achievements of all the public departments, and with the contractors employed by Government.

As for the work done on the spot by the soldiers, sailors, and civilians that make up the South African field force, nothing but praise is due to them from their fellow country- men for their loyalty and devotion to duty.

MacDonald was one of the Conductors referred to in the above passage. Quite how long he spent in their employ is unknown but the roll whereupon his name appears is dated 2 August 1901 – there is thus every chance that he was with them from the very beginning.

He made his next appearance in the ranks of 33 B Company of the Army Service Corps - the 33rd and 36th Companies, ASC were at Portsmouth and were ordered to embark at Southampton on 07 October 1899 – almost a week before war was declared. By the time MacDonald joined them they were seasoned veterans and very familiar with conditions on the African veldt, as was he thanks to his service with Weil’s Company.

Although he would have been deployed in the Cape Colony, Transvaal and, most likely the Orange Free State, MacDonald, like so many of his Conductor comrades, wasn’t awarded any clasps to his medal which was issued off the A.S.C. roll on 2 October 1901.

His role in the war over MacDonald elected to remain in South Africa where, on the eve of the Great War which commenced in August 1914, he was resident in Johannesburg. According to his attestation papers completed at Potchefstroom on 31 March 1916, he was a Lineman by occupation, was single and 37 years of age and that his next of kin was his mother, Mrs Jane MacDonald of 27 High Street, Dundee, Scotland. He confirmed his previous service in the Boer War.

Physically he was a big man with height of 5 feet 11 ½ inches, and with a dark complexion, blue eyes and “turning grey hair”. By way of religious affiliation he was a Presbyterian. His medical examination revealed that his teeth were problematic but the Doctor was of the opinion that he could be “rendered dentally fit”. His Provisional Enrolment form informed us that he had originally enrolled at Auckland Park in Johannesburg and that his address was the Wanderer’s Chambers, Johannesburg.

Assigned no. 438 and the rank of Sapper, MacDonald became a member of the D.S.C. (Divisional Signal Corps) and was sent to German East Africa for service. Like so many he fell victim to the ravages of the climate and succumbed to malaria necessitating his repatriation to South Africa. His Proceedings on Discharge form, completed on 3 August 1917 at Roberts Heights, confirmed that he had been deployed as a Signaller and was discharged “being permanently unfit for further war service” on 4 July 1917 after one year and 134 days service. His Military Character was deemed to have been Very Good.

For his efforts he was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.

MacDonald moved north to Rhodesia at some point where he took up the trade of Building Contractor for his own account. It was whilst on a visit to Cape Town that he passed away at the age of 67 at the Tamboerskloof Nursing Home on 28 November 1946. He had had an operation on 22 June 1946 for relief but passed away from prostatic destruction, originating in a congenital deformity of the left kidney he suffered with.

Charles James Cox, reservist, of Holborn, London - suicide, 19.1.1905 - by: BereniceUK

May 12, 2019, 9:35 am

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RESERVIST'S SAD SUICIDE.

"THE WAR HAS DONE SOMETHING FOR ME."

Charles James Cox (31), of East Buildings, Chapel-street, Holborn, who had fought in the Boer War, was seen last Thursday to fall over the parapet of the viaduct carrying Rosebery-avenue across Warner-street, Clerkenwell. He alighted on his head on the pavement 30 feet below, and was taken to the Royal Free Hospital, where he died.
The mother of the deceased said he had two medals. Lately he had suffered considerably with his head, and had ague and pains in his knees.
The Coroner read a letter left by the deceased for his mother. It ran: -
"You know, dear mother, what a sleepless night I had. The war has done something for me. What with my knees and my ankles, I feel I cannot stand it any longer......Dear mother, you must bear up. I shall be happy. In the drawers you will find my two war medals. Give them to little Willie. God bless him. I hope to be a dead man to-night...…."
The mother added that her son had been strange in his mind lately.
The jury returned a verdict of "Suicide whilst of unsound mind."

Derby Daily Telegraph, Thursday 26th January 1905

Possibly the Charles James Cox, whose birth was registered at Islington, in the third quarter of 1873.

A. K Enslin Boer War - by: Mike Enslin

May 13, 2019, 2:47 am

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Dear Sir/Ma’am
I am searching for the military records and service number of my Great Great grandfather Agustus Kolbe Enslin. Born 16 September 1851 Died 1934, he fought in the Boer War, WW1 and South West Africa campaign against the Germans, during this campaign his OC was Col. Swart, he fought in the Battle of Riet during SWA Campaign in 1914.
Please may you help me?
Kind regards
Michael Enslin
mikeenslin@gmail.com

Andrew William Sayer of the N.G.R. Rifle Association - by: Rory

May 13, 2019, 1:31 pm

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Andrew William Sayer

Private, Ladysmith Town Guard (Natal Government Railways Rifle Association) – Anglo Boer War
Sergeant A.W. Sayers, 10th Infantry, Witwatersrand Rifles – WWI

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasp Defence of Ladysmith to Pte. A.W. Sayers, Ladysmith Town Gd.
- 1914/15 Star to A/Sjt. A.W. Sayers, 10th Infantry
- British War Medal to Sjt. A.W. Sayers, 10th Infantry
- Victory Medal to Sjt. A.W. Sayers, 10th Infantry

Andrew Sayer(s) was born in Harlseden Green in the County of Middlesex in 12 June 1876, the son of William, an Engine Driver with the London & North Western Railways, and Eliza, born Barnacle, his wife. Andrew was baptised in the Parish of Ufton in Warwickshire (from whence his mother hailed) on 13 August of that year.

Five years later, the 1881 England census revealed that the Sayer’s were living at 63 Railway Cottages, Old Oak Common Lane in Brentford, Middlesex. Andrew was 5 years old and was joined in the house by siblings – 4 year old Zilla Laura, Joseph Ernest (2) and Edith Eliza, a 3 month old baby.

Ten years later, at the time of the 1891 England census, the family were still at the same address. William, now a young lad of 15, was employed as a Railway Engine Cleaner. Additions to the family came in the form of Albert Henry (, Florence Elizabeth (6), Victor Albert (3) and Eustace Frederick (1). The Sayer’s had obviously been very busy in the intervening years. Bernard Brown, a 2 year old Visitor, brought up the rear.

Perhaps Sayer was in search of adventure or perhaps he had tired of life with a big family at home, whatever his reason, he set sail for South Africa towards the end of the 19th century where, having arrived in the country, he quite naturally gravitated to the Natal Government Railways where he was employed as an Engine Driver.

Sayer was most probably among the men in this photo of the NGR Rifle Association.

The Boer War, a conflict between the two Dutch-speaking Republics of the Transvaal and the Orange Free State on the one hand and Great Britain on the other; burst onto the international stage in October 1899 and Sayer, by now a resident of Ladysmith and a member of the Natal Government Railways Rifle Association enlisted with the local Town Guard. In an interesting development the L.T.G. was the only one in the country comprised of three parts, the Town Guard, the Klip River Rifle Association and the N.G.R. Rifle Association. Medals to all three were issued off the Ladysmith Town Guard roll.

With war imminent, members of the Town Guard were enrolled from 19 September 1899, all taking the Oath of Allegiance to the Crown. There had been warning signs for quite some time and the Colony was beginning to hold itself in readiness for the expected invasion from the north and west. Ladysmith was a frontier town and the only one in those parts with a reasonably strong (although events were to prove this number inadequate) military presence under Sir George White.

Including the members of the Klip River Rifle Association who were affiliated for the defence of the borough, the aggregate number of men who enlisted was 233. Mr T R Bennett was appointed commandant of the combined town defence, acting under the orders of Colonel W G Know CB, commanding the defences and daily drills were at once inaugurated, whilst the members were allowed to practice at the rifle ranges of the Klip River Rifle Association.

Nightly patrols were instituted in the town and guards posted on Convent Hill to give the alarm of the approach of the enemy and on and after the 18th of October the Guard took duty at the Railway Bridge Defences freeing up Imperial troops who might have been used for that purpose. On the night of 12th October the men were ordered to guard all the roads leading into the Borough, to prevent anyone from entering or leaving the town. This was quite a responsible task as the Boers were known to move quite freely about the place dressed, as they were, in civilian clothes as opposed to any form of uniform. This too was the case with the Town Guard who, although issued with rifles and ammunition, had no uniform of their own.

Regulations concerning the duties and conduct of the men were drawn up and approved of by Lieutenant General Sir George White VC, commanding the Forces in Natal, on the 16th of October. On the 28th the entire guard mustered in the defences at 4.30 am and remained under arms till 7 am – they were also on duty at the Bridge Head and adjacent defences during the engagement of Lombard's Kop on the 30th of October. From 5 November until 12 December the services of the Guard were not made use of however, on the latter date the men were again called out, and with the members of the Natal Government Rifle Association, placed under the command of Captain Young RE, Railway Staff Officer. At this point their strength was now 157 men, exclusive of those on the sick list. They were assigned the duty of guarding the river's bank on the South side of the town nightly – a potential scene of Boer infiltration.

Captain Molyneux, of the Natal Volunteer Staff, assumed command of the Town Guard on the 23rd of December, a system being arranged that each man should be one night on and two nights off and free rations were issued on the 29th of December and each succeeding day throughout the remainder of the siege. The term “rations” is used loosely for, as was well known, the town and its inhabitants were soon reduced to stale maize and tough horseflesh as a staple diet.

During the Boer attack on Wagon Hill on the 6th of January 1900 the whole of the Guard lined the defences from daybreak till 10 am, being under fire early in the morning. This was the Boer forces surrounding the town’s most effective attempt to break through the defences and, on several subsequent occasions the men were roused in the night to help to repel an expected attack. With the lifting of the Siege on 1 March 1900 the Guard was disbanded for all Defence purposes with the men allowed to go home.

Sayers, for his efforts, was awarded the Queens Medal off the roll dated 24 July 1901. He does not appear to have taken any further part in the war which ended on 31 May 1902.

His role in the conflict a thing of the past Sayers headed north to the Goldfields of the recently liberated Transvaal where he, once more, carried on the occupation of Engine Driver – most likely with the Central South African Railways. There was time for romance though and, at the Congregational Church in Ladysmith on 19 April 1906, he wed Kathleen Collins, a girl he had met whilst living in Ladysmith. The address he provided was Benoni, Transvaal.

Kathleen was to bear him four children – Victor William, born in 1907 and who died young in 1913; Reginald Thomas, born in 1909 but who died a year later in 1910, William Andrew, born in 1914 who survived until 1965 and Marjorie Kathleen, born in 1925 and who passed away in 2005.

But what of his family who had remained in England? The Western Times of 27 May 1910 bore the sad tidings of the death of his brother Joseph under tragic circumstances. It read as follows: -

“An inquest was held at Watford on Joseph Ernest Sayer, aged 31, a railway telegraphic clerk, who was found on Monday in a tunnel on the London and North Western Railway in a dying condition. He had been travelling on the 2.45 express to Birmingham. The jury found that there was no evidence to prove that the fall from the train was intentional.” Having lost one of his own children in that year, this must have been a painful blow to Sayer.

The humdrum monotony of work and family life was rudely interrupted on 4 August 1914 with the outbreak of the Great War.

On this occasion South Africa, after an initial internal hiccup, threw her lot in with the Empire against Germany. Sayer, now 38 years old, enlisted with the 10th Infantry (Wits Rifles for service on 28 August 1914. Assigned to F Company he was granted the rank of Sergeant with no. 9648. He provided his wife of 68a Harpur Avenue, Benoni as his next of kin.

Although not of a military nature the Wits Rifles were involved in what became known as the Industrial Crisis of 1914, commencing in the Coal mines of Dundee in Natal industrial unrest fuelled by militant trade unions spread to railway workers of the Witwatersrand who were fearing retrenchment. On the 9th January the drivers refused to work and on the same day ACF units, 10 000 in number, were available to contain any disorder. The Wits Rifles numbered 658 men and were part of the larger force which quelled the uprising of 20 000 men before it had really got off the ground. Ten days later the men were demobilised and sent home from the Wanderers ground.

The Wits Rifles mobilised for training on 16 August 1914. Johannesburg’s The Star newspaper of 20 July 1916 best described the role played by the Wits Rifles in the first leg of the campaign – that of German South West Africa.

“The Wits, were the first of the Union’s Active Citizen Forces to take the field, they left Johannesburg on the 24th August last year and went first to Port Nolloth and escorted the South African Mounted Riflemen to Raman’s Drift. Namaqualand provided their field of work from August to the middle of November, when they went to Luderitz, from which base they moved a month later to Haalenburg and on to Aus, leading the advance on to Aus Nek. Then the call came to the north and from Luderitz the regiment proceeded at the beginning of May to Swakopmund. A month later they were holding the lines of communication at Omaruru, while Botha’s advance northward’s proceeded. It was at Omaruru that the news of the surrender of the German forces was received. From the brief survey it will be seen that the Wits. have covered a very large field – larger than that probably covered by any other infantry unit.”

This last sentence was the most telling – German South West Africa with its vast expanses was not an infantryman’s war. Indeed it was better suited to the Cavalry (Mounted Brigades) who were able to travel with some agility and were hot on the heels of the retreating Germans. On 29 April 1915 the Wits Rifles returned by rail to Luderitz Bay transferring to General Botha’s Northern Force. On 7 May they embarked aboard the Galway Castle for Walvis Bay landing there on the next day, en route for Swakopmund, for which they entrained on 12 May. On 9 July the German s surrendered at Tsumeb and the campaign was over. On 20 July the regiment returned to Johannesburg from where they were disbanded.

Sayer’s service card indicated that he was discharged, time expired, on 14 April 1915, he was awarded the 1914/15 Star, British War Medal and Victory Medal. His wife had moved house whilst he was away, to 143 Victoria Avenue, Benoni. But for Sayer the war was not yet over – on 2 July 1918 he enlisted with the Wits Rifles Volunteer Regiment with no. V-W 29 – although he does not appear to have left Johannesburg.

Perhaps it was the strain of war, perhaps some domestic or work-related travail; whatever the case may be Sayer’s mental health took a turn for the worse resulting in his being admitted as a mental patient in April 1932. His Notice of Death, dated 9 November 1938 showed that he had been institutionalised at the Pretoria Mental Hospital and that he had died on the 7th November at the age of 61 years after an illness of 24 hours. The autopsy revealed that the cause of death was Hypostatic pneumonia and that he had been subjected to senile seizures. His final medical diagnosis was “Manic Depressive Pyschosis – Depresses”. A sad end to the man.

His wife Kathleen moved to Rhodesia where she remarried. Kathleen Duff passed away at the age of 84 in Bulawayo on 7 August 1968. She had outlived her first husband by 30 years.

62 nd Battery Royal Field Artillery - by: gendancer

March 20, 2014, 10:21 am

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Hello

My name is Eric Probert from Chelmsford, Essex, UK and I am a historian and genealogist

My grandfather, Driver Charles John Probert, served with the 62nd Battery, RFA in the Boer War from 1899 to 1902 being awarded the clasps Cape Colony, Paardeberg and Orange Free State to the QSA medal

Have just returned from a trip to South Africa including a visit to the Kimberley area. We had an excellant Guide, Steve Lunderstedt, who took us to the Museums and Battlefields at two places near Kimberley, Magersfontein and Paardeberg, where we know thatGrandfather, Charles John Probert of the 62 nd Battery Royal Field Artillery (RFA) was involved in February 1900. The progress of both battles was explained and we were taken to the locations of the 62 Battery RFA 12 pounder guns, where the horses and men were encamped, where Lord Roberts had his headquarters and where the Boers were entrenched in their laagers on the banks of the Modder River.

With the information from this Battlefields visit, books and research at The Royal Artillery Museum and the National Archives I am able to wite an illustrated story of Grandpa's Boer War.

However I want to include pictures of the arrival of soldiers and horses by ship at Cape Town and the movement of horses and soldiers by train from Capetown to the Orange River Station. Perhaps someone will be able to assist me with sources for these.

Barnshawe of the Lubombo Intellegence Scouts - by: David Grant

November 4, 2016, 8:49 am

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I must thank the forum for the direction that the forum takes occasionally.

I have had a QSA WWI trio (missing victory) for many years to AEL Barnshawe whose QSA CC, SA01,SA02 is named to 31 Scout AEL Barnshaw FID. I have failed to find him on the QSA roll but after the flurry of activity about the FID on this forum I decided to bite the bullet and have "one more go" with amazing results.

There is no wonder I could not find him

My interest in Barnshawe ;- he went on to join the Northern Rhodesia Police as a scout

AEL Barnshaw served as a scout with the Lebombo in the Transvaal in the last two years of the war. Later he served as a scout with the Northern Rhodesian Police and in the Abercorn Telegraph Department.
Entered the East Africa, Nyasaland & Northern Rhodesia theatre of war on 29/8/1914.
“The garrison of Abercorn was a mere 12 district police under the District Commissioner, C.P. Chesnaye. On hearing of the outbreak of war, Mr Chesnaye promptly arranged the evacuation of European women and children, and sent out patrols of settler volunteers and natives to watch the movements of the enemy. The news of the war took several days to reach the German post near the border. There was no enemy action until late August 1914 when sporadic raids were commenced by native auxiliaries who cut the telegraph line between Abercorn and Fife. On 1 September a telegraphist went out escorted by 6 African police but found the line intact as far as Saisi”.
AEL Barnshaw farmed in the Abercorn Area of North-Eastern Rhodesia on a farm “Itimbwe” in the Saisi Valley before then war. The farm was used to hold cattle that were moved south to avoid Rinderpest at the start of the war. . The farm was later bought by Maxwell after Barnshaw had died complete with valuable cattle “for a mere song”. Barnshaw also ran a transport business ferrying stores from Kasama by ox-wagon with a span of eighteen oxen. The conveys would be made up of five wagons.

With some serendipity he appears on the same page of the Northern Rhodesian Journal with my Great - grandfather, William Govern Robertson and my Grandfather's best man Unwin Moffat.

So thank you.

The name on the roll is the easy part to "decipher" now. Anyone any comments on the other remarks.

---

Foxcroft of Gorringe's F.C. & Blue Cliff & Glen Connor T.G. - by: Rory

May 15, 2019, 5:31 am

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Eric Bertram Foxcroft

Trooper, Gorringe’s Flying Column and
Private, Bluecliff and Glenconnor Town Guard – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony and South Africa 1901 to Tpr. E.B. Foxcroft, Gorringe’s F.C.

Eric Bertram Foxcroft was born on the farm “Stockdale” in the Oatlands area near Graaff Reinet in the Eastern Cape of South Africa in about 1884. His father, Jeremiah Foxcroft was a first generation descendant of an 1820 Settler to the region who met and married his mother, Elizabeth Kelbrick on 25 August 1864.

The Foxcroft’s were prolific with Elizabeth giving birth to new fewer than eleven children of whom Eric was the youngest. With him on the farm were sisters Alice Maud and Hilda Florence, along with brothers William Wallace, Albert Edwin, Arthur Henry, Percy Edward, Walter Edward, Charles Eustace, Reginald Vivian and Cecil Voiles.

With the advent of the Anglo Boer War in October 1899 a very young Eric enrolled, on 28 January 1901 with “B” Squadron of Gorringe’s Flying Column for service in the war. Gorringe’s column was raised by Lt. Colonel G.F. Gorringe and saw much service against various Boer Commandos in the Cape.

On 19 February 1901 the G.F.C.’s, or Gorringe’s Light Oxen as they were sometimes called because of the rapidity of their movements, were in the Bethesda Road area of the Eastern Cape hot on the heels of the Boer Commandant Gideon Scheepers who had split off from Kritzinger in an attempt to evade capture. Kritzinger himself was in an engagement with Col Gorringe north of Cradock at the Fish River Station on 23 and 24 February but gave the British the slip and on 3 March 1901 surrounded the village of Pearston.

Foxcroft was joined in this unit by no fewer than two of his many brothers, making it almost a family concern. On 17 June 1901 he took his discharge and returned home.

Not one to remain idle for long he next joined up with the Bluecliff and Glenconnor Town Guard, No. 4 Area, where he saw service from 27 January 1902 until 30 April 1902 when the Town Guard was disbanded. Despite having seen service with the Town Guard subsequent to the Flying Column it was off the Gorringe’s Flying Column roll that his Queens South Africa Medal, with clasps Cape Colony and South Africa 1901, was issued. The term “Town Guard” is applied loosely in this case as there was (and still is) no town to speak of – rather all that is there is a railway siding and a smattering of farms – typically a District Mounted Troop would serve this very agricultural scene far better than a Town Guard who were dismounted.

The war over Foxcroft became embroiled, over the course of many years, in several court cases. In one in particular he was the Applicant in an “extension of time to appeal” – what was the issues here? In papers before the Supreme Court, Cape Division in April 1914 it was stated that: -

“The Appellant was convicted on the 3rd day of March 1914 by the Resident Magistrate of Steytlerville, of the crime of contravening Section 6 of Act 13 of 1870 in that he did exercise the calling of a Commercial Traveller without having taken out the necessary licence, and fined £1.”

Foxcroft was now applying to the Court not for relief but for time to consider his appeal against sentence. This was agreed to but no record exists of whether he was successful or not.

The last trace we have of him comes courtesy of the South African Directory which showed that, according to the Johannesburg North Voters Roll of 1929, he was resident at 66 African Gardens, Highlands North and that he was still pursuing the occupation of Traveller – it was to be hoped that, this time round, he had a “licence to operate”.

St John Ambulance Brigade, Welbeck Division, Nottinghamshire - by: BereniceUK

May 15, 2019, 8:16 am

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My thanks to the Welbeck Estate for these photographs; the roll of honour isn't in an area accessible to the public.

The Welbeck Estate is in North Nottinghamshire, between Mansfield and Worksop.
www.welbeck.co.uk/about/the-estate

HAVING
IN GRATEFUL RECOLLECTION
THE LABOURS, ZEAL, AND PATRIOTISM
OF THE ST. JOHN'S AMBULANCE BRIGADE, WELBECK DIVISION,
TRUE-HEARTED BODY OF EIGHTY MEMBERS, THIRTY ONE OF WHOM
AT THE CALL OF DUTY TO THEIR SOVEREIGN AND COUNTRY
OFFERED THEIR SERVICES FOR THE RELIEF OF THEIR BRETHREN
IN THE WAR IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902,
WILLIAM, 6TH DUKE OF PORTLAND, K.G.
ERECTS THIS TABLET RECORDING SUCH FAITHFUL SERVICES
AS EXAMPLES FOR THOSE WHO COME AFTER.
THEIR NAMES HERE RECORDED

SERGEANTS.
GEORGE PEAT
JAS . ANDREW POTTINGER
PRIVATES.
JOHN MOORE
JIM BOALER
JOHN WILLM . MOORE
WALTER LIMB
WILLIAM EYRE
WILLIAM EVANS
WILLM . MEASURES

WILLM . HENRY ROGERS
ALFRED WARDALE
WILLM . DEARNLEY
ROBERT HILL
JAMES LOWE
FRANK HETT
JOHN HY . PITCHFORD
WILLIAM HAYNES
FRANK LEVICK
FREDERIC NEWTON
JOHN WM . ALLETSON

WILLM . JAMES NEEDHAM
WILLM . HENRY WHITE
HARRY ALLETSON
GEORGE EATON
ALBERT MOORE
CHARLES STANTON
JOHN STANTON
CHARLES HAYNES
ARTHUR TINKER
WILLIAM GOACHER
HENRY MALTBY

(Photographs courtesy of the Welbeck Estate)

Robert Hill was 1071 Private R. Hill.
Henry Maltby was 1828 Private H. Maltby.

The Indian Contingent - by: David Grant

January 30, 2011, 1:26 pm

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The Corps of Guides

This bronze QSA was my find of last year and it was found locally. The naming is indistinct but "Corps" and "Guides" as well as the prenominal number "35" can be seen with a glass. There are no bronze medals awarded to the Corps of Guides if WO 100/296 p240 -241 is to believed. Luckly for researchers, the distribution list bound with WO 100/296 makes mention of 2 silver and 8 bronze medals having been prepared by the 15th December 1904, roll number A.G.2/M/13108.

The 2 silver medals are found on page 241 with 3 others on p240. A similar medal to 39 Syce Mehr Ali was sold by Toad Hall in 1992 for £110. The group to have is to 1574 Farrier Kala sold by Hayward in 1972. QSA clasp CC;KSA;IGS clasps Punjab Fronteir and Malakand '97 and an IMSM. The interest for me was to find a medal not on the roll at the National Archives but can be proven to have been prepared.

Examples of renamed QSAs and KSAs - by: djb

February 16, 2013, 9:05 am

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I thought I would start off a new thread to contain examples of renamed QSAs and KSAs to help people to identify them. This thought was provoked by an auction listing of a QSA/KSA pair to Corporal H McInnes of the 2nd Searforth Highlanders which are clearly renamed but this is not part of the item description. The seller does note that there is no regimental number on the medals but fails to explain why this might be.

Here is the QSA and KSA to start off this thread.

Please add more examples.

With thanks
David

John Thomas Pick - Crimean War and Anglo-Boer War - died 9.6.1912 - by: BereniceUK

January 5, 2019, 10:33 am

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REMARKABLE CAREER.

PASSING OF A NOTTINGHAM VETERAN.

DEATH OF PRIVATE PICK.

John Thomas Pick, the Nottingham veteran, who possessed quite a unique record of war service, died yesterday at the age of 75, at 72, Hounds-gate, Nottingham, where he had lived in lodgings for the last few years, after being in failing health for some time.

Born at the Black's Head, Broad-marsh, Nottingham, on December 21st, 1836, Pick had a brief nautical experience as a boy, and at the age of 16 he joined the Sherwood Forest Militia at the Shoulder of Mutton, Nottingham, declaring himself to the magistrates to be two years older. In 1854 the militia were mobilised at Newark in consequence of the crisis in the Crimea, and enlisting in the 8th Hussars, he fought with that regiment in the Crimea and received the medal with clasp for Sebastopol, in addition to the Turkish medal.

TOOK "FRENCH LEAVE."

On returning to England the war fever remained, and volunteering for service with the 2nd Queen's Bays, Pick proceeded to India and gained the Mutiny medal with clasp for Lucknow. Subsequently he transferred to the 21st Hussars, and owing to some dispute with an officer took "French leave." Fearing arrest for desertion he worked his way to South Africa, and formed one of the party accompanying Mitchell and Sullivan in the early days of prospecting for gold and diamonds. When trouble arose with the Basutos he volunteered for service, and was awarded the medal, afterwards fighting in the Zulu war in 1879, and receiving the medal with clasp for Ulundi.

At the age of 63, Pick responded to the call to arms on the outbreak of the Boer war, and was accepted in the Jamestown Volunteers, afterwards joining the ranks of the Midland Mounted Infantry. During his fighting career he earned no fewer than six decorations. In the early part of 1908 Pick injured his back whilst working in a quarry, and was compelled to enter a hospital. Upon his release, he claimed a free passage to England, which the Government granted him, and, after an absence of over half a century, he saw his native place again. Being in need of assistance, and justly entitled to some recognition from the State, he was brought before the Mayor, and then placed in communication with the Veterans' Association. The wanderer had lost all his medals, and though the Army Council was satisfied as to the man's bona fides, the difficulty of his having deserted from the 21st Hussars remained. This, however, was overcome by the granting of a protecting certificate, exempting him from arrest, and Pick was granted a pension of 1s. a day for life.

MEDALS REPLACED.

Through the kindness of Lieut.-Colonel Birkin, D.S.O., the lost medals were replaced as follows: - The Crimean medal, with the bar for Sebastopol, the Turkish medal, the Indian Mutiny medal, with bar for Lucknow, the Zulu medal, with bar for Ulundi, the Basuto medal, and the South African medal.

Pick naturally had many exciting adventures, and related some interesting reminiscences. One concerned an incident during an engagement in the Indian Mutiny at Daraban, when a one-armed Sikh officer, 6ft. 4in. in height, and a brilliant swordsman, was killed. When Colonel Walker inquired who had slain him, there were no fewer than five claimants to the honour. One supported his claim by producing the dead man's sword. The argument might have proved conclusive, had not an Irishman of the 53rd Foot exclaimed, "Faith, that's no proof. I killed him. I shot and bayoneted him, and having took the diamond out of the sword hilt and the silver wire off the sword hilt, I threw the sword away." What was more convincing, he produced the diamond and the wire. The colonel took them, and handed him 200 rupees as a reward.

Whilst serving as an engine-driver on the East India Railroad Pick used to declare that one day at Jamalpur, a "n....." referred to him as an "English pig." Pick promptly knocked him off the engine, picked another fireman up, and proceeded on his journey. On his return he was arrested for "attempted murder" - the native was at first thought to be dead, but made a complete recovery eventually. In the end he was "honourably acquitted" on the charge of assault, but was suspended by the railway foreman.

Nottingham Evening Post, Monday 10th June 1912

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A DIMINISHING BAND.

ANOTHER NOTTINGHAM VETERAN BURIED.

With full military honours, another of the now depleted band of Nottingham and Notts. Crimean and Indian Mutiny veterans was buried in the veterans' corner at the General Cemetery to-day, the Rev. P. H. D. Ogle performing the service. The deceased was John Thomas Pick, aged 76, who passed away on Sunday, at 72, Hounds-gate, Nottingham.

Pick possessed a unique military record, extending from the Crimea to the late South African war, and it was a graceful tribute to the departed that Captain Tomasson, M.V.O., Chief Constable for the county, and an adjutant of Baker's Horse, of which Pick was a trooper, paid when he appeared by the graveside this afternoon.

The coffin was conveyed on a gun carriage by the Notts. R.H.A., in charge of Sergeant Woodhouse, and the non-commissioned officers of the Robin hood Rifles, under Quartermaster-Sergeant Dominic, acted as the bearers. The firing party and the trumpeters were furnished by the South Notts. Hussars, and were in charge of Sergeant-Major O. White.

The chief mourners were the nephew, Mr. Walter Pick, and his wife, Mr. and Mrs. Tomlinson, and some thirty of the veterans, in charge of Sergeant-Major G. Watson. The Veterans' Association also sent a wreath.

Nottingham Evening Post, Thursday 13th June 1912

picturenottingham.co.uk/image-library/im...erid/ntgm007656.html

www.ournottinghamshire.org.uk/page_id__721.aspx