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Military Medal (MM) (Geo. V) 4418 Pte. J.L. Granger 2-S.A.Infy.; 1914-15 Star Pte. J.L. Granger 1st Infantry; BWM Pte. J.L. Granger 2nd S.A.I.; AVM (Bil.) Pte. J.L. Granger 2nd S.A.I.; BWM MT-122 Dvr. J.L. Granger B.S.A.P.; AVM MT-122 Dvr. J.L. Granger B.S.A.P. John Leslie Granger was born in Durban in 1896 and after completing his schooling he worked as a salesman. On 9 August 1914 he attested as No. 980, Durban Light Infantry, for service in German S.W.A. He wasdischarged on 5 July 1915 and six weeks later he re-enlisted, this time in the 2nd S.A. Infantry Regiment. The attesting officer was Lt. Lovell Greene, who would later earn a Military Cross for the action where Granger would be awarded a Military Medal. His regiment embarked for England on 9 October 1915, and landed there on 30 October 1915. Two months later they left England for service in Egypt, taking part in the successful attack on the Senussi at Hal Azim (23 January 1916) and eventually embarked for France on 12 April 1916. Granger landed at Marseilles on 20 April 1916. He advanced with his regiment to the Somme, ending up at Delville Wood where he was wounded on 15 July, the first day of the battle. According to his medical file he was carrying a message asking for “more men” when he took a bullet in the left hand. Shortly afterwards a shell exploded behind him: a splinter struck him on the left foot and he was blown into a shell-hole. He was admitted to Étaples Hospital 2 days later and transferred to Camberwell Hospital in England on 23 July 1916. He was one of the men recommended for a DCM by Lt. Col. W.E.C. Tanner (shared citation with Pte. S.T. Dunstone) but was awarded an M.M. (LG 16 November 1916): “These two men handled and worked a Lewis Gun in DELVILLE WOOD with the greatest gallantry. The Company to which they were attached was suffering heavy losses, but under a galling fire and with the enemy attacking in strength, Ptes. Dunstone and Granger stuck to and worked their gun with such efficiency as to drive the enemy back when only fifteen yards distant. 15th-18th July 1916”. Granger’s wounds kept him in hospital for almost 4 months and he returned to South Africa on recuperative leave at the end of February 1917. In July 1917 he was admitted to hospital in Durban for treatment of shell shock and further operations on his foot and was eventually discharged from hospital on 16 October 1917 with a 6 months’ temporary pension. Notwithstanding this, Granger attested as a driver the next day, on 17 October 1917 in the newly formed Mechanical Transport Section of the B.S.A. Police. Four weeks later, on 14 November 1917, he was finally discharged from the 2nd S.A.I. as “Being permanently unfit for general war service”! His subsequent service up to February 1918 was as part of a complement of some 180 B.S.A.P. mechanics and drivers who delivered 90 much-needed motor vehicles to the troops in Nyasaland and German East Africa. On 14 March 1918 Granger was back at No. 3 Convalescent Camp in Durban with his disability stated as “Shell shock, Delville Wood, 15 July 1916”. The Medical Board awarded him an 80% pension for a further six months. He then went back to Southern Rhodesia where he was honourably discharged from the B.S.A.P. as “medically unfit: shell shock” on 4 May 1918. According to the Zimbabwe Archives he did not receive a gratuity, but was granted a Railway Travel Warrant (with meals included) from Salisbury to Durban. The South African “Medal Authorities” clearly did not take note of Granger’s service with the B.S.A.P., even though there was a file (empty) at D.H.Q. with his Rhodesian attestation data listed on the cover. Taking similar circumstances into account they should have issued him with a 1914-15 Star (as duly happened on 25 October 1920) but his Service Card should have been endorsed to the effect that the WM and AVM were to be issued by the Imperial Authorities. This did not happen and a WM and Bilingual AVM were despatched to him on 4 February 1923 off the roll of 2 S.A.I. It is not known on what date he received his two medals off the B.S.A.P. roll. It would seem that Granger saw nothing untoward in his double medal issue: after all, he had a double income (Pension and pay) for his last period of military service!! After WWI he joined the Durban Transport Department and worked there for 15 years. Thereafter he was a meter reader with the Durban Corporation for 10 years and his final working years were spent with the City Treasury Department. When he retired he started a food take-away business. This he sold after six years and shortly afterwards he was elected a Durban City Councillor. He served in this capacity for a further 10 years before resigning for health reasons. During his term of office he was instrumental in starting the Park’n Ride Car Park and was also responsible for the installation of shark nets on Durban’s beaches. He kept an interest in military matters and in 1965 he attended the 50th Anniversary Re-union of the 1st S.A. Infantry Brigade. He was a very keen football supporter and often wore the colours of Durban City Football Club when attending their matches. This rubbed off on his children: his one son Vivian was responsible for starting the Professional Football League in 1959. John Leslie Granger died in Durban on 9 September 1974.

Military Medal (MM) 3114 Cpl A. Ryder 2/S.A.Inf. 1914-15 Star Pte A. Ryder 2nd M.R.; BWM; AVM (Bil.) 2/Lt. A. Ryder; Combattants De La Somme 1914-1918-1940 Medal Alfred Ryder was born in Newcastle, Natal 12 March 1897. He was as a civil servant and at the outbreak of WWI he enlisted in the 2nd Mounted Rifles (Natal Carbineers) for the German SWA campaign as Trooper No. E2963. As part of the “H” Squadron he participated in the Battle of Gibeon on 27 April 1915. At the conclusion of this campaign he enlisted for overseas service with “B” Company 2nd S.A.I. as a Private. He participated in the Battle of Hal Azim on 23 January 1916 during the Senussi campaign. Ryder participated in the Battle of Delville Wood and is listed in Ian Uys Rollcall. He was awarded the Military Medal for bravery during the operations East of Ypres in 1917. Obviously a very competent and reliable soldier, promotion followed quickly in the field. Promoted to Lance-Corporal on 17 May 1917; Corporal on 30 June 1917; Sergeant on 18 April 1918 and he was then commissioned as a Temporary Second Lieutenant on 15 July 1918. Ryder was released from service on 28 May 1919 after commanding “B” and “C” companies of the 2nd S.A.I. respectively. Ryder received his Military Medal ribbon from General Lukin on 17 February 1918 in Delville Wood during the memorial service that was held in the Wood.

Military Medal (MM) (Geo.V) 893 Pte G.F. Baker 1/S/Afr.I.R.; 1914-15 Star; BWM; AVM (Bil.) George Frederick Baker was wounded in action at Delville Wood on 16 July 1916. He was later killed in action at Fampoux on 13 April 1917. “At Longueval on 16 July during the attack on enemy trench Lt. Craig fell severely wounded out in the open between two trenches. The attack proved successful and the men were brought back. Privates Estment and Baker scaled the parapet and assisted Private Faulds in bringing back Lt. Craig. The return was made under heavy machine gun fire. Private Baker getting two bad wounds. The prompt act saved the officer’s life.” This was the same Delville Wood action for which William Frederick Faulds was awarded the Victoria Cross. The citation for Fauld’s Victoria Cross in which Baker is mentioned, reads: “For most conspicuous bravery and devotion to duty. A bombing party under Lieut. Craig attempted to rush over 40 yards of ground which lay between the British and enemy trenches. Coming under very heavy rifle- and machine-gun fire the officer and the majority of the party were killed or wounded. Unable to move, Lieut. Craig lay midway between the two lines of trench, the ground being quite open. In full daylight Private Faulds, accompanied by two other men, climbed over the parapet, ran out, picked up the officer, and carried him back, one man being severely wounded in so doing. Two days later Private Faulds again showed most conspicuous bravery in going out alone to bring in a wounded man, and carried him nearly half a mile to a dressing station subsequently re-joining his platoon. The artillery fire was at that time so intense that stretcher bearers and other considered that any attempt to bring in the wounded man meant certain death. This risk Private Faulds faced unflinchingly, and his bravery was crowned with success.” John Buchan, in his history of the South African Forces in France, puts these events in perspective when he writes as follows:- “All through the furious night of the 15th the troops in Delville Wood were working for dear life at entrenchments. At 2.35 a.m. Lukin received orders from the division that at all costs the northern entrance into Longueval must be blocked, and that for this purpose his Brigade must complete the capture of the northern perimeter of the wood, and advance westwards till they joined hands with the 27th Brigade. ….. while two companies of the 1st South Africans (those which, as has been already explained, had formed a defensive flank at the south-west corner of the wood) were to push north from the Princes Street line. The situation did not allow of a previous military bombardment; but it was arranged that a “preparation” by trench mortars should precede the infantry attack. The advance was made at ten on the Sunday morning and failed completely, since the Royal Scots were held up in their area by a strongly-wired stone redoubt and the South Africans by machine-gun fire from the ominous orchard between two roads. It was then that Private W.F. Faulds of the 1st Regiment won the first Victoria Cross which fell to the lot of the Brigade. Lieutenant Craig had attempted to reach a German trench with a bombing section, and had fallen severely wounded half-way between the lines. He was rescued by Private Faulds, who, along with Privates Baker and Estment, crossed the parapet in broad daylight under a drenching machine-gun and rifle fire.”

This Gallantry Cross (engraved on the REVERSE Number “2”) was awarded to Christiaan Jacobus van Rooyen who risked his life to save a 13 year old boy in the sea near St Lucia in Natal in November 1987. Chris van Rooyen was the coach of a South Eastern Transvaal school rugby team. In November 1987 he and two adult couples accompanied their winning team on a celebratory weekend near St Lucia on the Natal coast. On the Saturday morning some of the boys began to play in the shallow water and before long one of the boys, Giel Coetzee, was caught in a rip current. Without any hesitation Chris swam after him, but just as he was reaching close to him the current swept Giel back to the shoreline while Chris was swept out deeper into the sea. With the aid of a rope Susan Strauss, the wife of a friend of Chris and one of the young school boys, Andre Prinsloo, entered the sea in an endeavour to rescue Chris. Unfortunately, both Susan and Andre were drowned in their gallant attempt to rescue Chris, but luckily Chris was fortuitously washed back semi-conscious to the shore. These events drew wide publicity in the South African Press and the following year at a ceremony in Pretoria, the heroism of those involved in this tragedy were remembered when no less than four civil gallantry awards were presented by the State President of South Africa, Mr P.W. Botha. A singular citation for all four of these awards was worded as follows: “André Prinsloo and Mrs Susan Strauss lost their lives on 7 September, while Mr Erasmus Hattingh and Mr Christiaan van Rooyen endagered their lives in an attempt to save Giel Coetzee from certain death by drowning. During an excursion on St Lucia Lake, one of the vehicles broke down. While an attempt was being made to repair the vehicle, the boys were playing in the shallow water. A strong cross-current knocked down Giel Coetzee (aged 13) and swept him offshore. André Pretorius (aged 13) swam towards him and helped to keep his head above water. Mr Van Rooyen, who realised that the children were in trouble, ran into the water and swam towards them. He had almost reached them when a strong current pulled them in ever deeper. Mr Van Rooyen also encountered trouble and Mrs Susan Stauss, who was a good swimmer, swam towards him with a rope tied around her waist. Mr Strauss, Mr Hattingh and another person were holding the end of the rope. Mrs Strauss had only a few metres to go when a large wave knocked them down and they lost their hold on the rope. Mrs Strauss was swept off by a strong cross-current and Mr Hattingh who was also knocked down by a wave, suceeded in reaching Giel and André, who was still keeping Giel’s head above water. The two boys grabbed hold of Mr Hattingh in a panic and almost dragged him under water. He calmed them and advised them to systematically swim with the current to the beach. A large wave broke over them and Mr Hattingh and Giel were washed out on the beach. The body of Mrs Strauss was washed ashore shortly afterwards. André’s body was however never found. For their outstanding bravery, the Woltemade Cross for Bravery, Class I: Gold, is awarded postumously to the late André Prinsloo and the late Mrs Susan Strauss, and for their exceptional bravery, the Woltemade Cross, Class II: Silver, is awarded to Mr Erasmus Albertus Hattingh and Mr Christiaan Jacobus van Rooyen.” The Woltemade Cross for Bravery in silver was the lesser of two classes of the South African civil decoration for Acts of Bravery. The Cross replaced the earlier Woltemade Decoration in Silver which in turn had replaced the earlier Union of South Africa King’s Medal for Bravery. The Cross was manufactured by the South African Mint and is officially hallmarked.

Samuel Allan served in Captain Thomas Farmer’s No. 7 Company during the Waterloo Campaign, 16-18 June 1815. The Royal Welch Fusiliers Museum records the following: “It (the 23rd Regiment of Foot) then marched to Braine-le-Leud, arriving on the 17th and passed the night in torrential rain. Wellington placed the bulk of his strength to the right of his line. This was fortunate for the 23rd Regiment as it suffered fewer casualties than those in the centre and on the left. Even so, it lost four officers and eleven men killed, and eight officers and seventy eight men wounded. Early on the morning of 18th June 1815 the 23rd took up its position, in the second line, to the left of the Nivelles Road. In front of it was a battalion of the Guards. It deployed into line and the men were told to lay down as they were quickly under fire from French artillery on the road. The cannon fire killed Captain Thomas Farmer. The 23rd moved into the front line to replace the Guards battalion, withdrawn to give support at Hougoumont. It formed a square and remained in that formation all day, facing many attacks by French cavalry. The Commanding Officer of the 23rd, Colonel Sir Henry Ellis commanded that no man should break rank, even to help a wounded comrade. The Regiment did not falter, even though the artillery fire continued. The square retired to its former position, then advanced again and the 23rd finished the day by advancing in line finding nothing to oppose it.” Tragically both his Captain, Captain Walker and his Officer Commanding, Sir Henry Walton Ellis KCB were mortally wounded and died soon afterwards. Continuing, another reference records: “After the Battle, the Regiment bivouacked with the rest of the Army at the now-famous La Belle Alliance inn, a few miles south of Brussells. Over the next few days they marched to Mons, then to Valenciennes, then Cateau-Cambresis. On 24 June the regiment participated in the assault and capture of the besieged town of Cambrai. Dunn notably commanded the Ladder Party of the 23rd Fusiliers as they entered the citadel by an old breach near the Port de Paris, “on which occasion his brother officer 2nd Lieutenant Leebody on the same duty was killed.” From Cambrai the regiment marched towards Paris where they were present for the city’s capitulation on 4 July, pitching camp at the Bois de Boulogne. The following day they marched to Neuilly-sur-Seine.” Although Samuel Allan quite likely also saw some service during the Peninsular War the name Samuel Allan is NOT RECORDED on the medal roll for the Military General Service medal. The MGS medal was a retrospectively awarded medal and only those individuals who were alive in 1848 were eligible for the award of this medal.

Military Medal 4278 L. Cpl. G. A Hort 1st S.A.I.R.; BWM; AVM (Bil) Sgt. G. A. Hort. 1st S.A.I.; unofficial bronze medal Medaille Commemorative des Batailles de la Somme 1914-1918-1940 with certificate. George Alfred Hort was born in Essex, England in 1882. Prior to his enlistment with the 1st S.A.I. Brigade at Potchefstroom on 23 August 1915 he worked as a commercial traveler. He saw his first action during the Egyptian Campaign in January - April 1916 where the first casualty he treated, Sgt Watkins of Wynberg, died in his arms during the Senussi Campaign. Hort later recalled that all he could do was to give Watkins a pill before he succumbed to his wounds. At Delville Wood Lance Corporal Hort was a stretcher bearer and was awarded the M.M. for bravery under fire. The initial recommendation for 8 men, including Hort, was as follows: 4878 L/Cpl Hort G.A. Lt Col Heal M.M “Acts of good work and gallantry during operations in Langueval and Delville Wood during 16th, 17th, 18th and 19th repespectively.” A more detailed recommendation was later written by 2nd Lieut. R.M. Lyne in the case of L/Cpl G.A. Hort No. 4878 “D” Coy 1st S.A. Infantry Regiment: "On the night of 16 July displayed utter fearlessness in removing wounded men from the front of the front line trenches in Delville Wood under severe machine gun and rifle fire, while Verey lights were being continuously displayed. He also showed intrepidity in assisting to evacuate the wounded from the front dressing station under heavy shell fire". In later years George Hort was very proud of this Regimental Parchment Testemonial Certificate recording his gallantry described above which led to his award of the Military Medal. This original document is dated 15 January 1918. One of only 25 such testimonial documents of the First South African Infantry Regiment it was specially printed by their Commanding Officer, Lieut. Colonel Heal, in order to show his appreciation to his men and to record their gallant deeds. Hort continued to serve during the heacy fighting at Arras and Ypres in 1917 and took part in the Brigade’s attempt to help stem the German advance in March 1918. On 23 March 1918 the German forces attached the Green Line which was the last prepared line of defence held by the South African Forces. Hort was very proud of his parchment document in terms of which he was awarded the M.M., as it was one of only 85 specially printed by Lieut. Colonel Heal to show his appreciation to his men. He served at Arras and Ypres in 1917 and took part in the Brigade’s attempt to help stem the German advance in March 1918. On 23 March 1918, the German forces attacked the Green line which was the last prepared line of defence held by South African forces. Hort later recalled that during this attack he was wounded being shot through the neck as he approached his Colonel, Lieut. Colonel Heal. He was unable to stop the flow of blood and later crawled off before being finally taken in a wheel barrow to the field dressing station. Fortunately, he was taken to the rear in the last ambulance to leave Manancourt before it was overrun by the German Forces on 23 March 1918. Due to the seriousness of his wounds, he never rejoined his unit and after returning to South Africa he was demobilized on 25 April 1919. After the war he lived in the Cape Province with his wife Elizaberth. In 1965 he attended the 50th Anniversary Reunion of the 1st South African Infantry Brigade in Johannesburg. He died the following year.

Companion of The Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George (CMG) Neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) Neck Badge, silver-gilt and enamel; Distinguished Service Order (DSO) (VRI); Military Cross (Geo. V), unnamed as issued; QSA, 6 bars CC, Tug H, OFS, RoL, Tvl, L Nek: 811 Tpr. B. Nicholson. Natal Carbnrs; KSA, 2 bars SA'01, SA'02: Lieut. B. Nicholson. Imp. L.H.; 1914-15 Star: Lt. B. Nicholson 5th M.R.; BWM & AVM (Bil) Capt B. Nicholson; WM & ASM: 223436 B. Nicholson. Bertram Nicholson CMG, CBE, DSO, MC, fondly known as “Nicholson of Swaziland”, was born in Richmond, Natal, in 1875. He was the youngest son of William and Fanny Nicholson who came out to South Africa as Byrne settlers. After matriculating at Maritzburg College in 1893 Bertram joined the Natal Civil Service in January 1894, gaining valuable administrative experience in the Magistrates' Court in Durban from 1896 to 1899. Bertram served throughout the Boer War, initially with Murray’s Horse and then with the Natal Carbineers from 22 November 1899 to 1 October 1900. He was mentioned in an Addendum to Lord Roberts’ Despatch of 2 April 1901 that was belatedly published in the LG of 4 December 1903 (p8019) for “meritorious services performed” while serving Trooper with the Natal Carbineers. On 2 October 1900 he transferred to the Natal Volunteer Composite Regiment and continued to serve with them until 30 December 1900. The following day he re-enlisted in the Imperial Light Horse and served with them as a commissioned officer up to the end of the war, earning a further mention from Kitchener which was noted in London Gazette of 18 July 1902 (p4595) as follows: “Lieutenant B. Nicholson, Imperial Light Horse: With 3 men captured 18 Boers on 15th April 1902 at Yserspruit, after a long chase”. It is most probably this act which was the reason for the subsequent award of the DSO. (LG 31 October 1902) After the Boer War, Bertram joined the Swaziland Administration. He was initially appointed as the Assistant Commissioner at Hlatikulu. Further appointments followed as Resident Magistrate, Member of the Special Court, and finally as Resident Commissioner. Upon the outbreak of World War 1 in 1914, he commanded the Swaziland Troop of the Imperial Light Horse, and served in both the Rebellion and in German South West Africa. He was awarded the Military Cross, as published in the UDF General Order 2691: Rewards for War Services - German South-West African Campaign, dated 24 Dec 1918. The Recommendation for the award of his Military Cross was listed under “Headquarters Staff” as follows: “Lieut (Temp Captain) Bertram Nicholson, 5th Mounted Rifles (Imperial Light Horse) : In charge of all Intelligence work which he supervised and directed with conspicuous energy and ability and much skill.” On his return to Swaziland after demobilisation, he was appointed Deputy Resident Commissioner and Government Secretary and continued to serve as a member of the Special Court with Mr JS Marwick, OBE. He was finally appointed Resident Commissioner of Swaziland, and thereafter retired on pension in 1931. For his outstanding work in Swaziland, he received the CBE in 1924 (Birthday Honours List, LG 3 June 1924) and the CMG In 1932 (Birthday Honours List, LG 3 June 1932). Both awards (CMG and CBE) were for his services as Deputy Resident Commissioner and Government Secretary in Swaziland. During WWII, he volunteered for service once again was given command of the 4th Battalion Native Military Guards and retired with the rank of Lieutenant-Colonel in 1942. He died in Bremersdorp at the age of 69 in 1944. Quite apart from his meritorious record of service in both peace and war, he found time to be a very fine cricketer, a noted hunter of big game and a most ardent fisherman. He did much in the way of trout and black bass acclimatisation in and beyond Swaziland. He was also very keen on the conservation of the environment and of wildlife. After his death and at his request, Maritzburg College was presented with a very fine pair of elephant tusks from his own collection and a German Shield, which he took from a railway engine at the battle of Gibeon in South West Africa. The tusks and shield, suitably mounted, serve to this day to remind boys of a distinguished Old Collegian.

The Daily Mail: "A Gentleman in Kharki" and "The Absent-Minded Beggar" Daily Mail Kipling War Fun The jingle of "The Absent-Minded Beggar" is a poem composed by Rudyard Kipling in 1899 and set to music by Sir Arthur Sullivan. It is often accompanied by an illustrationof a wounded but defiant British soldier, "A Gentleman in Kharki", by Richard Caton Woodville. The song was written as part of an appeal by The Daily Mail to raise money for soldiers fighting in the Second Boer War and their families. The fund was the first such charitable effort for a war. The first and final stanza of Kipling’s famous jingle which illustrates his literary genius is set out below: When you've shouted "Rule Britannia," when you've sung "God Save the Queen," When you've finished killing Kruger with your mouth, Will you kindly drop a shilling in my little tambourine For a gentleman in khaki ordered South? He's an absent-minded beggar and his weaknesses are great— But we and Paul must take him as we find him— He is out on active service, wiping something off a slate— And he's left a lot of little things behind him! Duke's son—cook's son—son of a hundred kings— (Fifty thousand horse and foot going to Table Bay!) Each of 'em doing his country's work (and who's to look after the things?) Pass the hat for your credit's sake, and pay—pay—pay! … Let us manage so as, later, we can look him in the face, And tell him—what he'd very much prefer— That, while he saved the Empire, his employer saved his place, And his mates (that's you and me) looked out for her. He's an absent-minded beggar, and he may forget it all, But we do not want his kiddies to remind him That we sent 'em to the workhouse while their daddy hammered Paul, So we'll help the homes that Tommy left behind him! Cook's home—Duke's home—home of a millionaire, (Fifty thousand horse and foot going to Table Bay!) Each of 'em doing his country's work (and what have you got to spare?) Pass the hat for your credit's sake, and pay—pay—pay

Wine and glasses specially made for members of 4 Recce Commando

In the Colonies and Boer Republics which became the Union of South Africa in 1910, several unofficial military decorations and medals were instituted and awarded during the nineteenth and early twentieth century. The Cape Copper Company Medal for the Defence of O'okiep is a private campaign medal which was instituted by the Cape Copper Company Limited in 1902. The medal was awarded to members of the O'okiep Garrison who defended the town while it was besieged by Boer Commandos from 4 April to 4 May 1902, near the end of the Second Boer War.

QSA medal with RAISED DATED REVERSE 1899-1900- 5 bars: Natal, OFS, Bel, SA’01, SA’02 54 Pte. H. Grestock Ld.Strathcona’s H:; BWM; AVM (Brit.) Lieut. H. Grestock Canadian Memorial Cross (Geo.V) Lieut. H. Grestock Howard Grestock was born in London on 29 January 1879. His father, Richard Joseph Grestock, was born in London in about 1835 and later immigrated to Australia. On 29 October 1862 he married his 18 year old bride, Charlotte Elizabeth Roycraft, in Melbourne. Richard was employed as a Bank Clerk and their two eldest children, a son and a daughter, were born in Melbourne. In about 1868 he returned to England with his young family and settled in Lambeth in London where their family expanded with the addition of a further six sons. Back home in London his father entered into business as a glove manufacturer and was able to later describe himself as a man “of independent means”. Howard was their youngest of his seven sons, standing 5 feet 10 inches tall. He was a keen soldier and when the opportunity arose for him to serve in South Africa he volunteered to join the first contingent of Strathcona’s Horse. Just three weeks after the death of Queen Victoria, Howard was amongst the group who paraded before the new King, Edward VII in London on the occasion on which the first Queen’s South Africa medals were awarded to servicemen on their return from the war in South Africa. A cursory examination on the Web reveals that he continued to serve as a member of Lord Strathcona’s Horse before World War I, serving for many months as head of the grenade section. It is recorded that, soon after the declaration of hostilities in World War I, Howard Grestock was the first recruit from his native Yukon attesting for service with the Canadian Infantry on 22 September 1914. At that time his civilian occupation was that of a Miner and he was soon aboard the steamer Dawson. A contemporary newspaper report records that he was initially offered a commission in the Indian cavalry but refused before being posted to the 73rd Battalion. He re-enlisted into the same unit on 4 May 1915, as No. 2499 Private being promoted Corporal on 26 July 1916. Later that year he was commissioned into the 73rd Infantry Battalion, Royal Highlanders of Canada. A report published in the The Dawson Daily News carried the headline: “First Yukon Volunteer Dies for his Country” It reads as follows: “Ottawa, Feb. 15 – (Delayed in transmission) – Lieutenant Howard Grestock, the first Yukon man to volunteer for overseas service, has been killed in action. A private cablegram from Grestock’s brother in London announces his death. The official casualty list of Tuesday put Lieutenant Grestock down as missing, so that news of his death did not cause much surprise here. As Yukon people are aware, Grestock had served for many months as head of the grenade section of the Strathcona’s Horse, and some time ago received a commission, when he joined the Seventy-third Battalion as Lieutenant. The wound he received before was a light shrapnel wound in the leg, during an assault when the British captured the Regina trench. I received a letter from Lieutenant Grestock only a few days ago in which he said he expected to get leave of absence to visit England about the first of March, when he hoped to be able to join the Yukon Infantry Company. Grestock was second in command of his company when killed.” Howard Grestock is officially recorded as having died as a Prisoner-of-War on 5 February 1917 and lies buried in the Cabaret-Rouge British cemetery at Souchez in Pas de Calais in France. A reference, which alludes to excellent further research opportunities about Howard Grestock, records that he “died at Vimy before the battle began.” Following a skilfully planned attack and a precision creeping barrage, the Canadians overran and captured the heavily fortified German position on 9 April 1917. Nearly 3,600 Canadians died taking the Ridge, where the French and British had failed. Many Yukoners were there. This reference continues …. “Today more is known about Grestock than of many of his other countrymen because the letters that he sent to Dawson were frequently published in the newspaper. In September 1914, before shipping out for England, he prophesied that they were in for a “bad war… it will be extremely lucky if we come back.” A few weeks later, in England with the Strathcona’s Horse, he complained about the constant rain on the Salisbury Plain. “I did not come out to do barrack room work,” he said. “If we don’t go to the front before Christmas I shall apply for a transfer to (a) British regular ... regiment.” In June 1915, Grestock was in France. “When I left Dawson,” he said, “we thought that the war soon would be over, but now I think it has just started and is good for years.” Grestock already had a taste of action on the front and considered himself lucky. He had been spared from artillery fire, shrapnel, sniper attacks and poison gas. In April 1916, he was on the front, waiting for a big offensive to begin. Later in the year, he saw heavy action with the Seventy Third Highlanders, but came out of it unscathed. Several times he reported on his good luck at not being shot, blown up or gassed. Since his arrival in France, he had seen action in all of the major battles - Hooge, Festubert, Givenchy, St. Eloi and the Somme. “On personal merit,” says an article in the Victoria Daily Colonist, “he was given his commission.” When transferred to Vimy Lieut. Grestock was second in command in his unit. Sometime in late 1916, in a most daring fashion, he played an important role in forcing back an enemy counterattack. The following night, he returned to no man’s land to recover the body of a dead German soldier so that they could determine the unit he served in. On February fourth, 1917, his luck ran out. He led a small raiding party across no man’s land to attack the German trenches. His party went too far, and suffered heavy casualties. He did not return. The circumstances surrounding his fate became clear when it was learned that he had died some time later, as a prisoner of war, in a German-run hospital at Henin-Lietard. Yet another reference includes the following title description to a wartime photograph: “Strathcona Horse in trenches 1000 yds from La Basse”; “H. Grestock (with periscope)”; “Jack Watt (killed in action October 4, 1915)”; “Paddy Doyle, D.C.M.” The foregoing write-up highlights the magnificent story of Grestock and his Canadian colleagues in France in 1917.

Distinguished Service Order (DSO) (Vict.); QSA 5 bars: DoL, LNek, Belf, CC, OFS (last two bars with unofficial rivets): Capt. F.R. Ewart, L’pool Regt; KSA 2 bars SA’01, SA’02 Capt. F.R. Ewart, DSO, Liverpool Regt.; Royal Humane Society’s Medal (bronze - Type II),: Capt. F.R. Ewart, Jany. 29, 1906 complete with riband brooch-bar Frank Rowland Ewart, born 31 January 1874, was commissioned as 2nd Lieut. in the 1st Battalion, Liverpool Regt (the King’s Regiment) in March 1894. After service in Halifax, Nova Scotia and the West Indies, he embarked for South Africa in December 1897. When war was declared, Ewart was with his Regiment in Natal and was in action at Rietfontein, Lombard’s Kop and the Siege of Ladysmith. He was afterwards attached to the Mounted Infantry and served in operations in Natal from March 1900, when he was advanced to Captain, up to June 1900 and subsequently operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, including the actions in the vicinity of Belfast during the last week of August 1900. He was Mentioned in Despatches with two other officers serving in the 4th Division Mounted Infantry, as having “distinguished themselves as commanders of companies on every opportunity that presented itself” (LG 8 February 1901, p. 974) On this occasion he was also appointed to the Distinguished Service Order. As noted on his Record of Service, the DSO award was dated 29 November 1900, but it was only published in the LG of 19 April 1901, p. 2701. Capt. Ewart’s D.S.O. can very likely be coupled to his conduct during two engagements in August 1900. The first and more important one was near Van Wyksvlei on 21 August 1900 when Cpl. H.J. Knight, also of the 4th Mounted Infantry, won the Victoria Cross. The following details are from the LG of 4 January 1901: “On the 21st August, during the operations near Van Wyk’s Vlei, Corporal Knight was posted in some rocks with four men covering the right rear of a detachment of the same Company who, under Captain Ewart, were holding the right of the line. The enemy, about 50 strong, attacked Captain Ewart’s right and almost surrounded, at short range, Corporal Knight’s small party. That N.C.O. held his ground, directing his party to retire one by one to better cover, where he maintained his position for nearly an hour, covering the withdrawal of Captain Ewart’s force, and losing two of his four men. He then retired, bringing with him two wounded men. One of these he left in a place of safety, the other he carried himself for nearly two miles. The party were hotly engaged the whole time.” A week later, on 28 August, the Mounted Infantry reached Dalmanutha Station. They then pushed on to Machadodorp, driving the Boers from the ridge between them and the town, and occupied the town under heavy gun and rifle fire. Captain Ewart was slightly wounded in the process. Between December 1900 and November 1901 he was employed at home, but returned to South Africa late in November 1901. During the last months of the war he served in numerous operations with the Mounted Infantry, including actions at Klerksdorp and Vryburg, and he stayed on in South Africa till April 1903. In October 1903 Ewart was seconded for service with the Lagos Battalion of the West African Frontier Force, being appointed Adjutant and 2nd in Command in March 1905. On 29 January 1906, at the Lagoon in Lagos, he saved a boy from drowning and the case was referred by the Colonial Office to the Royal Humane Society for suitable action. The details, as recorded in the R.H.S. Case Book, read: Particulars of Accident: A golf ball fell into the lagoon and the boy, going after it, got out of his depth. 10 yards out – 7 feet deep. Sharks are present. Exertions of the Claimant: Captain Ewart went in fully clothed and rescued him. Captain Ewart died at sea on a homeward voyage to England on 13 June 1906 and thus never knew that he was awarded the R.H.S. Bronze Medal on 10 July 1906.

The Royal Victorian Order (MVO) 4th Class Breast Badge (silver-gilt & enamel) numbered 795; CGHGS medal bar: Bechuanaland: Sgt. R.M. Crawford C.Pol.; QSA 2 bars: DoK, OFS Capt. R.M. Crawford Cape Police; KSA 2 bars: SA’01, SA’02 Captain R.M. Crawford C.P. Dist. 2.; Kimberley Star complete with top bar (“a” hallmark) unnamed as issued. Robert Montgomery Crawford was born in County Donegal, Ireland in May 1863.He came to South Africa in 1880 and saw his first semi-military service in January 1885 with the Warren Expedition, an event which resulted in Bechuanaland becoming a British Protectorate. Seven months later, on 19 August 1885, he enlisted as Trooper in the Cape Police. This was the start of a successful career, including service with the Diamond Detective Dept. between November 1894 and April 1897. After the Langeberg Campaign he steadily rose through the ranks, seeing Boer War service as Captain (MiD) and eventually retiring as Deputy Commissioner, SA Police (Eastern Division), on 20 November 1914. In his capacity as Commissioner, Cape Mounted Police, he was responsible for the security and policing arrangements during the opening of the first Parliament of the Union of South Africa by His Royal Highness, the Duke of Connaught in November 1910. The Cape Argus of Friday, 11 November 1910, contained a short report, the first part of which reads: THE ROYAL TOUR, POLICE OFFICERS HONOURED Magalapye, Friday Colonel Crawford, Chief of Police, who accompanied the Duke and Duchess of Connaught and Princess Patricia from Cape Town, left the Royal Train tonight, prior to its entry into Rhodesian territory. The Duke of Connaught conferred on him the M.V.O. before his departure. Crawford, however, was not awarded the 1910 Union Medal. The Royal Victorian Order is entirely a personal gift of the Sovereign and has been awarded only 13 times to South African recipients: Knight Commander 3 (KCVO): one award was for the Opening of the 1st Union Parliament Commander 1 (CVO) Member, Class 4 7 (MVO): five awards were for the Opening of the 1st Union Parliament Member, Class 5 2 (MVO)

Military Cross (G.V.R.), “907 Battery Sergt. Major A.J. Wardill 125 Siege Battery, South African Heavy Ar’G”; QSA 1899-1902, 4 bars: Transvaal; Driefontein; Paardeberg; Relief of Kimberley 3442 Pte. J Wardill 6/Drgn: Gds. Entitled to the 4 bars, on 6th Dragoon Guards (Carbineers) roll, KSA 2 bars: SA’01, SA’02, 5357 Cpl. A. Wardill 3rd Drgn: Gds. Natal Rebellion Medal bar: 1906 Cpl: A.J. Wardell Lancs. & Yorks. Contg. BWM 2nd C/W.O. A.J. Wardill S.A.H.A. . AVM (Bil.) 2nd C/W.O. A.J. Wardill S.A.H.A. M.C. London Gaz. 1 January 1918. SOUTH AFRICAN FORCE 907 B.S.M. Arthur James Wardill, Arty. “For gallant services rendered at Loos between 23rd August 1917 and 24th September 1917 Battery Sergeant Major AJ Wardill of the 125th Siege Battery South African Heavy Artillery was awarded the Military Cross”. (Refer particularly to the 125th Siege Battery’s activities on 24th August 1917 referred to in the extracts set out below). 9 M.C.’s were awarded to warrant officers out of a total of 453 M.C’s awarded to personnel of South African units during WWI. Arthur James Wardhill was born in Kingston on Thames, Surrey in 1878. He was educated at Dr. Lancaster Richmond School in Richmond. After WWI Wardhill was employed by the South African Chamber of Mines. According to his service papers he served with the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabineers) from 1896-1902, (although his medals indicate service with both the 5th and 3rd Dragoon Guards). He purchased his discharge in South Africa upon the conclusion of the Boer War. Wardill subsequently served with the Lancs. & Yorks. Contg. during the 1906 Zulu Rebellion for 3 months. He subsequently attested to the South African Heavy Artillery in August 1915 for service overseas. During the Boer War Wardill was promoted to Cpl. by the Commander in Chief (S.A.) (Lord Kitchener) in terms of his Despatch dated 22 March 1902, “for gallantry in the field” (in the Ermelo district). The citation indicates that “Pte Wardill galloped amongst the enemy and captured five of them in the presence of a large number”. An extract from the 125th Siege Battery South African Heavy Artillery’s unpublished History (pages 21-24) indicates the circumstances for which Battery Sergeant Major Wardill was awarded his M.C.Loos “On the evening of the 23rd August 1917 the order to move was received and No.’s 1, 2, & 3 guns were taken into the ruins of Loos where they were brought into action at 4 a.m. on the following morning (this being 24th August 1917). For its extreme mobility on this occasion (24th August 1917) and its subsequent good work in the Operations at Loos the Battery was specially mentioned in the Army Commander’s report. The movement in progress was the attempt of the Canadian Infantry to supplement the capture of Hill 70, and further to advance their positions to the north of Lens, part of an encircling movement by which the pinching out of that place was contemplated. It was on the night of the 23rd August 1917 that the German and British Infantry attacked simultaneously and the meeting in no-man’s land resulted in a stalemate. Here the guns were forward of the Field Artillery; they were in constant action day and night and were subject to a heavy retaliatory bombardment which succeeded in smashing up No.’s 1 and 3 on the morning of the 26th August 1917, besides destroying a limber and a quantity of ammunition and stores. It was owing to the existence of a considerable trench system here that the avoidance of casualties was no doubt due, but a good deal of mischief resulted from the enemy’s gas shells. Platforms were laid in broken houses about 400 yards nearer the German line, and on the 29th August 1917 No. 1 (after repair) and No. 2 were brought into action by observation from the ruins of a two storied house immediately behind the guns. This position was, however, quickly located by the enemy and the guns were got away on the 1st September 1917, fortunately without serious damage, though the pits were demolished by intense shell fire. The whole neighbourhood seemed to be dominated by Wingles Water Tower, some 6000 yards away from which the enemy maintained observation on the Lens Road, making it unhealthy for small parties and even for single wayfarers. Rest Billets had been taken up in an extensive dugout excavated in the Loos slagheaps, which, though safe from shell fire, was insanitary and uncomfortable and not impervious from gas. Here the Battery fatigue parties were on occasion disconcerted by the short shooting of British 18 pounders. Upon the removal of the guns into pits dug in the trenches to the west of the Bethune Road, where the Battery was rejoined by No. 4 gun, the slagheap was abandoned and old dugouts in the vicinity of the guns were cleared and occupied. On the 5th September 1917, the enemy drenched the position of Loos with gas maintaining his bombardment from these for four hours. Twenty eight casualties resulted. In all positions at Loos the cables were continually cut by shell fire and the work of the Signalling Section was carried on under the greatest difficulty. In the first two positions indeed, the guns were the foremost in the line, of any calibre, the position was subject to machine gun fire, and the strain upon the Battery was a heavy one. One gunner was captured by the enemy. Presumably, he wandered past the position in the dark and strayed into the German lines some 1300 yards distant. On the 9th September 1917 the guns were manned by the RGA and the personnel of the Battery proceeded to Bethune for 10 days on rest. On 21st September 1917 the Battery returned to the guns and until it left the position on the 8th October 1917 it was constantly shelled with both high explosive and gas, causing much damage to material. On the 24th September 1917 the wireless apparatus was brought down; and when the four guns were pulled out and taken into Bethune not one of them was fit to go into action, all having suffered from a parting bombardment of great intensity and accuracy. For service in this position, (i.e. at Loos between 23rd August and 24th September 1917), the Office Commanding (Major RPG Begbie) and the Battery Sergeant Major (AJ Wardill) were awarded Military Crosses”. An extract from The History of the South African Forces in France by John Buchan (pages 271-272) offers some further details regarding the activities of the 125th Siege Battery S.A.H.A. “The 125th Battery was first organized on April 4, 1916, under the command of Major RPG Begbie. It arrived at Havre on … July 1916, and reached the third Army area on 26th July 1916, during the fourth week of the First Battle of the Somme. Its position was at Sailly-au-Bois, on the extreme left of the battle ground, where its principal targets were the German batteries at Puisieux, Bucquoy and Grandcourt. On 19th October 1916 it moved to the eastern edge of Englebelmer Wood where it was attached to Sir Hubert Gough’s Fifth Army. Here it “prepared” and participated in the attack on Beaumont-Hamel. It was a difficult task, for its gun positions were remote from the road, and every 100lb. shell had to be carried some 400 yards through a swamp, until eventually a line of rails was laid. On January 20th, 1917, the Battery was moved to a new position on the Auchonvillers Road, half a mile north of Mailly–Maillet, where for the next few weeks it was engaged by enemy batteries and a German heavy calibre naval gun, and suffered many losses. On 22nd February 1917 it moved into Beaumont Hamel, where it had better quarters. On 22nd March 1917, over impossible roads, the Battery moved north to Arras, where its first position was beside the Faubourg d’ Amiens. On the second day of the battle of Arras it moved east to St. Sauveur, and on 16th April 1917 it went forward a mile east of Tilloy-les-Mofflaines, on the Arras–Cambrai Road. Here it was much exposed, and three days later it moved back to the wood of Tilloy. For the next month its guns were constantly in action by day and night. On 11th May 1917 it pulled out for a much needed rest, during which time it received reinforcements which brought it up to strength. On 18th June 1917 it moved to Roclincourt, in the Oppy section, where the first leave to England was granted. On 21st July 1917 it took up position at Vermelles–Les–Bethune, in the Lens area. Here it came under the First Army, and from the 15th to the 23rd August 1917 was heavily engaged in supporting the attack of the Canadians on Hill 70, east of Loos. On the evening of the latter day (23rd August 1917) it moved forward into the ruins of Loos, and rendered brilliant service in action on the 24th August 1917. Its cables were constantly cut by shell fire and on the 5th September 1917 it had 28 casualties from a deluge of German gas shells. The personnel of the Battery were withdrawn to rest between the 9th and 21st September 1917, but from the latter date till 8th October 1917 it resumed its work in that section. When the four guns were brought back to Bethune, it was found that only one was fit for further action. The Battery was now attached to the Belgium Army as one of the thirteen siege batteries constituting the XIV Corps Heavy Artillery. Its position was in the swampy country in the neighbourhood of Steenvoorde and Oostkerke. On 3rd December 1917 it moved to the La Bassee area, and rejoined the First Army taking up position at Annequin. On January 9th 1918, there came a short space of rest near Lillers. Major Begbie handed over the command to Major J.G. Stewart, and the Battery became part of the 44th (S.A.) Brigade”.

Hi Megan, You're welcome and my pleasure Let me know where I can assist again Regards Archie

Hi Megan, KaNgwane Police Establishment Medal Composition: Silver (oxidised) Awarded to any member of the KaNgwane Police or any seconded officials who on 1986-06-01 was or became a member of the KaNgwane Police or was seconded to the KaNgwane Police respectively, or to any person who at the time contributed towards the establishment of the KaNgwane Police. Warranr by the Minister of the KaNgwane Police Service, signed at Louieville on 15 April 1994.

Hi Megan, I will post better pictures tomorrow with all the information Regards Archie

Hi Megan, It was 1986 The date on the sample is incorrect Regards Archie

Dekoratie Voor Trouwe Dienst (DTD) Kapt H.S. Pretorius; Distinguished Service Order (DSO) (Geo.V); Anglo Boere Oorlog Medal Kapt H.S. Pretorius; Lint Voor Wonden ribbon; 1914-15 Star Capt H.S. Pretorius 4th Mtd. Bdge.; WM; AVM (Bil.), MID oak leaf Major H.S. Pretorius DSO LONDON GAZETTE 22 AUGUST 1918 The Citation reads as follows: “Had it not been for this officer my task in the North Eastern Districts of the Cape Province would have been one of the utmost difficulty. I recommend him for special recognition”. It is interesting to note that although awarded for: “services rendered in connection with military operations in German South West Africa”, Van Deventer’s original recommendation for the award centred on the activities in the Cape Province during the rebellion. His Form “A” shows that he was on the staff of General Louis Botha while the Form “C” indicates that he was wounded on the 5th August 1901. His WWI medal application form shows him forming “Pretorius’ Calvinia Commando” after the outbreak of the Rebellion in North Western Cape Province. He then served as the Staff Captain of Southern Force, first engaged in action against Manie Maritz and his rebels at Upington, then participating in the advance into German South West Africa.

Beaconsfield (formerly known as Du Toit’s Pan) is nowadays a suburb of Kimberley. At the time of the Boer War however, Beaconsfield was a separate borough from Kimberley and was only amalgamated with the latter as the City of Kimberley in 1912. Much to the indignation of its inhabitants, Kekewich originally excluded Beaconsfield from his plans for the defence but faced by a very strong and indignant protest, he was forced to provide for the defence of that place, though independently of the main defensive enclosure. The Beaconsfield Siege Medal was commissioned in 1900 by the Mayor of Beaconsfield, Capt. C.A. Blackbeard, probably at the same time that the Mayor of Kimberley, Mr. H.A. Olivier, commissioned the Kimberley Medal. Some 1.500 medals were struck in white metal but it would seem that the silver issue was limited to 9 pieces. The white metal medals, presented to school children of all races on 23 October 1901, were pierced at 12 o’clock and suspended via two thin metal rings from a narrow red, white and blue ribbon. Parents were required to fill in an application form to obtain the medal for children. The Sterling silver medal was struck from the same dies but was fitted with a claw and ring suspension (identical to that of the Yorkshire Imperial Yeomanry Medal) with a 65mm wide, red, white and blue ribbon. The names of the 9 Councillors (including the Mayor and Town Clerk), who received silver Beaconsfield medals, are recorded in the Beaconsfield Town Council Minutes of 27 November, 1900. Some towns people expressed a belated desire to also have an example of the silver medal. The Town Clerk was therefore instructed to collect names and prepayments with the object of placing a second order if sufficient numbers were requested. The subsequent Minutes however, make no further mention of the issue and it must be assumed that no further silver examples were ordered.

Kimberley Star in gold awarded to Robert Archibald The medal was presented to Mr. Robert Archibald, a floor manager of the De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited. The full story of the unique gold Kimberley Star is listed in the definitive book Boer War Tribute Medals by M.G. Hibbard, pages 163-169 (Constantia Classics, 1982). This book describes the various presentation medals which were awarded to many of those who served in South Africa during the Anglo Boer War. In 1962 two unknown Kimberley Stars came to light, both prepared after the pattern of the silver star but in gold. One of these was found in Cape Town and one a little later in a London dealers’ shop. The one in Cape Town is with the medal group awarded to Mayor Oliver which is housed in the Museum. The second one was offered for the first time on City Coins Postal Medal Auction 70. This unofficial handmade medal was made in 18 ct gold in the workshop of Mr Melchar of Dutoitspan Road in Kimberley and is not fitted with the usual ornamental bar suspender nor the top pin brooch. The following description is an extract from Hibbard’s book page 168: Obverse: A six-pointed star, with ball on each point. The Kimberley coat of arms with motto: SPERO MELIORA (I promise better things) on scroll below. In a band around the centre device the word KIMBERLEY above and the dates 1899-1900 below. The lettering on this medal is that of different style to that of the silver star. The spacing is marginally different and the public arms not so well executed. Reverse: Inscribed: BOER WAR/SOUVENIER (sic) FROM THE EMPLOYEES/OF THE / DE BEER CONS. MINES LD / TO / ROBT / ARCHIBALD ESQ / FOR SERVICES / RENDERED. The Diamond Field Advertiser of 29 July 1901 recorded the circumstances surrounding the presentation of this medal which was presented to Mr. Archibald on the eve of his departure to the United Kingdom. Attached is an interesting group photograph, featuring R. ARCHIBALD in the book Some Dreams Come True by Alpheus F. Williams. GENERAL MANAGER, DE BEERS CONSOLIDATED MINES LTD. AND HIS STAFF. Seymour Dallas, Manager, Kimberley Mine Compounds. W. Austin Knight, Manager, Bultfontein Floors. T.R. English, Chief Buyer. J.H. Murphy, Assistant Buyer. S. Tidd-Pratt, Manager, Workshops Compound. J. Swanson, Manager, Wesselton Mine Compounds. C.E. Hopley, Sub-Manager, Stables Compound. D. Canty, Acting Manager, De Beers Mine Compounds. A.E. Rogers, Assistant Manager, Wesselton Mine. C.M. Henrotin, Assistant Manager, Kimberley Mine. W. Tudor, Assistant Manager, De Beers Mine. J. Liddell, Mechanical Engineer. W. Newdigate, Chief Land Surveyor. James Stewart, Manager of Pulsator. A.F. Brigham, Chief Mine Surveyor. C.L. Porter, Underground Manager, Wesselton Mine. Capt. A.J. Garrett, Manager, Bultfontein, Mine Compound. FRONT ROW: R. ARCHIBALD, Manager, De Beers Floors. W. McHardy, Manager, Kimberley Floors. A.F. WILLIAMS, Assistant General Manager. GARDNER F. WILLIAMS, General Manager. P.A. Robbins, Consulting Mechanical and Electrical Engineer. W. Nichol, Manager, De Beers Mine. T.J. Woodburne, Manager, Kimberley and Bultfontein Mines.

Edwin Watkin “Ted” Hunt was born in January 1869 and was raised and educated in New South Wales, Australia. First going to South Africa ‘for a rest cure necessitated by a severe accident’, he eventually settled there in farming, becoming an Inspector of Government Stock Farms in the Western District. He was subsequently present at the defence of Mafeking, having sought refuge there on the outbreak of hostilities. For the remainder of the War he served variously as a Captain, attached to the 6th Imperial Bushmen, N.S.W. Contingent and in the Army Service Corps. Returning to Australia in 1901, Hunt later went back to South Africa and settled on a ranch in the Zoutpansberg district. Enlisting in the South African forces in January 1915, he commanded “Hunt’s Scouts” in the German South-West Africa operations of the same year, services that were eventually recognised by a D.S.O. and a ‘mention’. Then re-enlisting in the 9th South African Horse in May 1916, as a Squadron Commander, and later Second-in-Command, he served with distinction in the East Africa operations, winning the M.C. for actions fought in August of the same year, in addition to another ‘mention’ in Smuts’ despatch of 22 November. Major Hunt became a farmer, was President of the South African Agricultural Union, member of the Transvaal Provincial Council, Union Parliament and Johannesburg Municipal Council. Hunt, who was discharged in March 1918, received the following message from Lieutenant-Colonel M.M. Hartigan, D.S.O., of “Hartigan’s Horse”, with whom he had shared in the trials and tribulations of active service: ‘You have in a marked degree all the qualifications necessary to command, and that inspiring “Tally-ho!” method of yours in action simply makes ‘em love the job, and once your squadron found that you would take them out of hell as easily as you let them in, I knew that I never need hesitate about the odds where you were concerned. The gift you have of being able to tell at a glance whether you can take mounted troops through thick country which you have never before seen is extraordinary, and I don’t think you would ever be “bushed”. When you were commanding the regiment during that drive down to Mahenga, I made a big call on your staying power and resource, and it was well for us I did.” DSO LONDON GAZETTE 22 AUGUST 1918 ‘For distinguished service in the field in connection with the campaign in German South-West Africa 1914-15.’ MC LONDON GAZETTE 13 FEBRUARY 1917 For conspicuous gallantry in action. He led his Squadron with great gallantry against strongly held enemy positions. Later, with 40 men, he cut a way through dense forest and forced the enemy to retire.’

The Kimberley Medal The suppressed forerunner to the Kimberley Star. Initially organised by the Town Authorities this medal was struck in England but never issued. It had to be melted down by the Authorities owing to their unsanctioned use of the Royal cipher on the reverse of the medal. It is not known how many were struck but few have survived. The so-called Kimberley Star must surely take pride of place amongst the various locally presented South African tribute medals. The desire of the Siege Mayor, Mr Henry Alfred Oliver, who was later awarded the CMG for the role he played during the Siege, to ensure that the services rendered by all the gallant defenders were recognised is well known. His tribute, which was evidently financed from his own pocket, was unfortunately not recognised as an official award and there was great disappointment when it was ruled that this six pointed star could not be worn in uniform. Although the general literature tends to highlight strikings with an “a” date hallmark, stars with a “b”, “c” and “d” hall marks are well known and are clear evidence that the medals were very well received. At that time the cost of the labour involved in manufacturing the stars was small in comparison to the cost of silver and one might presume that this was perhaps one of the key reasons why the initial medal was suppressed. Numerous die varieties of the star are known – some with the centre coat of arms medallion struck heavily incuse, others high in relief while the rays and the centre of the stars are hollow which necessitated thatthe hall mark was re-stamped on the obverse after manufacture.

Driver Charles News served with the 7th Brigade of the Royal Artillery. After seeing service during the earlier campaigns of 1877 and 1879 he is recorded as having been engaged against the Zulus in 1879. He suffered a gunshot wound in his thigh during the action at Ingogo River on 28 January 1881. This action is perhaps better known as the Battle of Schuinshoogte in South Africa. The 1980 Centenary issue of The South African Military History Society Journal records that the British suffered 4 Officers and 62 men killed and another 4 officers and 63 men wounded. The Boer losses were recorded as 8 killed, 6 wounded, of whom a further two subsequently died as a result of their wounds.

2037 C/Sgt. Joseph Hardwick was slightly wounded during the capture of a Boer laager at Swart Kopjes on 6 January 1881. Colour Sergeant Joseph Hardwick is recorded as having served with his Regiment during the Zulu War qualifying for the clasp “1879”. He is recorded as having been slightly wounded during the capture of the Boer laager at Swartkoppies on 6 January 1881. The action at Swartkoppies took place during the Siege of Pretoria. During the last days of December 1880 British forces under Colonel Gildea had attacked a Boer laager some 10 miles south of Pretoria but their advance, which naively assumed that the Boers had run away, was checked by concealed Boer marksmen and four of the British attackers were wounded before they hurriedly withdrew. An article by Rob Jordan (ref: The South African Military History Society Journal) records: “A week later, on 5 January 1881, a foraging party to a farm nine miles east of the town (Pretoria) spotted another Boer laager three miles further off amongst the Zwartkoppies in a bend of the Pienaars river. Bellairs again decided to attack and the following morning 462 men set off under cover of darkness. The Pretoria Carbineers under Captain Sanctuary and guided by Corporal W. Struben performed a remarkable feat in riding round the laager undetected and taking up position behind it to cut off the Boer retreat, but at first light they foolishly betrayed their presence and drew fire. Gildea pushed ahead hurriedly with the main attack but the forty Boer defenders under Veldkornet Hans Botha held their ground tenaciously until overwhelmed. Two Boers were killed, three wounded and fifteen were taken prisoner; the rest had ridden away while a flag of truce was flying. Gildea wasted no time in withdrawing to camp as more Boers were riding in from other laagers to investigate. This was the only time during the siege (of Pretoria) that an attack was pushed to a successful conclusion but the cost to the garrison had been high – six men dead, twelve wounded – and the Boers had inflicted more than three times their own losses on the attackers, a grim warning for the future. Assistant Commandant General Erasmus was criticized after the defeat and replaced by Hendrik Schoeman. It appears that Schoeman inculcated greater alertness among the besiegers and set up a system for distant laagers to communicate by means of signal fires but the records of the Boer command are so meagre it is difficult to assess his contribution accurately. He certainly did nothing to change the essentially defensive tactics.”