Field Reservist
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Rand Rifles
in Great Britain: Empire: Colonial Including South Africa & India: Awards, Militaria & History
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G'day Gentlemen
I believe my grandfather John Francis Purcell DSO commanded the Rand Rifles in GSWA. He was mentioned in despatches dated 22 August 1918 with Lt Col Cresswell
His service record indicated he joined as Brevet Major on 20 Oct 1914 and was appointed Lt Col. He was released on 20 August 1915 to joint he SAEF Brigade where he commanded the Reserve battalions and relieved Lukin as Brigade Commander in 1918.
He had originally served in Cape Mounted Rifles from 1881 to 1910 (with Harry Lukin, a great friend). He 'retired' in 1910 and was seconded to Southern Rhodesia Volunteers in Bulawayo until 1914.
I have no more info on what the RR did other than the Xmas day landing & first contact.