QSAMIKE

The inscription appears on both the Queens Canadian Korea Medal and the U.N. Medal. SK-13816 L.J. Browne. There is also a Canadian Korea volunteer medal that has no rim inscription. thanks for any help on this as Canadian items do not show up much here in Central Illinois

Hello Irish.......

Browne's regimental number during World War Two was K-13816, he volunteered to serve in Korea and given his old number with the letter "S" in front.......

The K stands for the Military District, I'm not sure which one is K that he enlisted in during WW2..... I know Calgary where I am was Military District 13 and letter "M".....

Mike

The Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal,

High Commissioner for Canada,

17, Victoria Street, London, England

Greylingstad,

25th July, 1900.

Dear Lord Strathcona,

The Regiment is still with Lord Dundonald's 3rd Mounted Brigade, General Clery's column. We are in ignorance of our further movements. The war is by no means over. No military man here thinks that it can end in less than three months. We are proving every day that we are good scouts and well disciplined, but all are anxious to get further north.

With regard to Gen. Hutton I have had no correspondence with him, nor have I said or done anything that should prejudice him against the corps. I should think he would have been very glad to have them under his command. Men just as capable as Gen Hutton or anyone in the service have the opinion that the regiment is the finest that has yet appeared upon the scene. I have no doubt about it myself. The only one that can in any way be compared with them as scouts and horsemen are the second Bttn. Canadian Mounted Rifles, composed of one half N.W.M. Police and the other half men from the stock districts of Alberta. There are a few men who ought not to be in the corps, but strict discipline keeps them in order. No one can avoid getting men who have made a mistake in joining, such men thought war was a picnic.

Hoping that your Lordship is enjoying good health,

I am,

Yours Respectfully,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE,

Thankyou Gentlemen.......

A friend was able to obtain an original 95th Jacket, Pants and a Baker Rifle from an estate sale...... The jacket and pants are not in great condition and he wants to get them repaired and to make up a proper display..... I have forwarded all your replies to him.....

Thanks again.....

Mike

Good Morning.....

The Lion with wreath that looks similar to the RE badge was worn between 1933 and 1945..... The plain lion was between 1949 and 1971......

According to Owen's book on SA badges.....

Mike

Hi guys....I have been offered a family group of medals as follows...Queens South Africa medal with five bars,(I cant remember which five), awarded to a private,(again cant remember his name), in the 6th Dragoons. There is a small photo of the recipient cut from a carte de viste. There is a group of ww2 medals awarded to his son or grandson...I believe he sufferd injuries but died the following day when the transport ship he had been transfered to was sunk. there is also a general service medal awarded to another family member with a malaya bar. along with the medals there is also a bundle of photos and silk postcards etc...I have been offered this lot for offers around £300...bearing in mind that I will want to see a profit from this lot what would a reasonable offer be.....I don't collect these medals but they fund my habit for German Frauenschaft and Frauenwerk badges and related items....Chris

Hi Chris......

Jump on it from great heights and smile.......

Good Price.....

Mike

When we had the Olympics here we had civilian, police and military do the security.......

In most cases because of the size of the event there are not enough police to cover all the events 24 / 7 for the period of the games so they have to hire civilian companies......

Mike

For Mervyn:

Did not get any notification of reply to this thread......

Mike

Hello Irish......

I have been trying to track down an early SWB to a Canadian and have been told that Volume 1 of the register for these badges is missing, i.e. Numbers 1 to 12,000.....

Sorry to tell you this.....

Mike

Good Morning......

From our local newspaper yesterday.......

Yes I know that the mods will most likely lock this post.......

But the "Devil Made Me Do It"......

Mike

　

S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E

Leeuw Spruit

July 20th., 1900.

Sir: -

Since I last reported at Standerton we have been almost continually on the march. On the 1st of July, the second day out, whilst the regiment was on the advance, the enemy was discovered near Watervaal and a sharp skirmish ensued between our flankers and the Boers. It appears that on this occasion our men were fired upon at close range from a house flying the white flag. In this fight we lost one fine young fellow, Pte. Jenkins, who enlisted at Pincher Creek. He was shot and instantly killed. Capt. Howard, evidently mistaking the Boers for our men walked right into them and was taken prisoner. Pte. Hobson is also missing. The Brigade reached Greylingstad the following day and camped for two or three days. It was arranged here that 150 of the regiment should remain while the balance should go with the Division to Vlaakfontein some 12 or 14 miles on towards Heidlburg. We marched on the 4th, has a small skirmish and reached the place the same night. On our arrival at Vlaakfontein it was found necessary to reinforce our force left at Greylingstadt and on the 5th 50 men were send back protected by 100 men of ours under an Imperial Officer to return the same night. The fifty were seen safely through but on the return the Boers showed some strength and our men found some difficulty in getting through. A rapid retreat was ordered by the Officer in charge, [in spite of the remonstrances of Major Snyder] and we [consequently lost] had 6 men missing. The men had been sent to a distant kopje and could not get back.

Whilst at Vlaakfontein, "C" Squadron left at Greylingstadt were sent a few miles further back on the line to protect the railway bridge there and while patrolling on the 6th, Corp. Lee was shot and killed. About this time the draft under Lt. Anderson reached Standerton. About the 6th whilst acting as advance to the South African Light Horse, some 18 miles North East of Standerton they came in contact with a considerable force of the enemy and although they succeeded in driving the Boers from the position they lost in so doing 2 men taken prisoners and 3 wounded.

The remainder of the regiment returned to Greylingstad for the purpose of reinforcing the Garrison there but two days after we were joined by the 2nd Division under General Clery and started to march north. Since then we have been fighting nearly every day, meeting the enemy on two occasions with guns. The second day out the Regiment formed the advance and covered the flanks and rear of the column. A party of "A" Squadron were sent out to the right flank under Major Sangeneisten of the Border Mounted Rifles. This officer with four of the Regt. had their horses shot and taken prisoners. Two others were wounded.

We halted here for the day, but are under orders to move again tomorrow.

The work we are doing is very hard on the horses, there being only two mounted corps in the Brigade. We have our turn for duty every other day. The Canadian horses are standing it very well but we have had to have a second supply of Argentines. Members of the Imperial Guides, men who know the country well and who have gone right through the war, say that the Canadian horses are the best in South Africa to-day. Of course we know this to be the case.

Being under fire more or less every day has raised the men's spirits immensely. They have shown a good deal of daring and boldness in their work, but the circumstances in my opinion call for it, as without the enemy could not be discovered and the column often exposed to dangers.

Our next move will probably be northward in the direction of Bethel to operate on the flanks of the Boers. Those who seem to know are of opinion that the war will last at least 2 months. The Boers have possession of the railway throughout Portuguese Territory and have a good supply of ammunition.

I am very well pleased with the draft sent out, and with the horses brought with them.

Lt. Ketchen owing to urgent private affairs in England has asked for a leave of absence. He is a very good officer and will explain to you his reasons for leaving soon.

I was obliged to send Regtl. Sergeant Major Steele to Standerton some days ago. He received a strain which makes it impossible for him to ride. However, he will be useful there in looking after our supplies etc. Being without a Base has rather handicapped us in the matter of supplies, but we are doing very nicely.

I am advised that Mr. Taylor has sent out a lot of hats, but we are going to try and get along with our present ones until we get on the other railway where we will be able to get them up.

Since I last reported the following men of the regiment have died: -

Regt. No. 509, Pte. Jenkins, Killed in Action

" " 332, Corpl. Lee, Killed in Action

" " 171, Pte. Banks, Enteric Fever

" " 321, Pte. Cottrell, " "

" " 483, Pte. McNicholl, " "

I am,

Yours respectfully

(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.

Commanding "Strathcona's Horse"

Strathcona's Horse

Leeuw Spruit

July 20th, 1900.

Dear Lord Strathcona,

Your favour of the 1st., June has just come to hand, and with reference to the first paragraph I beg to say that as already reported the "Mohawk", "Maplemore", and the "Chicago"' only formed the advance of the regiment proceeding to Natal and Kosi River on an expedition, the object of which I have already reported to you.

The above transports sailed on the 25th May, but I did not cable you until the 28th, the day Headquarters left on the "Wakool" and "Columbia", on that day I sent you the following cable: - "We leave for Natal To-Day", but the censor, when it was presented, altered it so to read "We leave for the front to-day". This it appears did not reach you either, although I had the assurance of the censor that it would be sent.

The only communication I have had with General Hutton out here was a telegram sent through the Base Commandant at Cape Town asking for volunteer scouts from this regiment, to serve under Charles Ross, a North West Scout. The men, thinking that they would be transferred from the regiment and be separated, refused to volunteer. [Besides, I think that in the minds of some there was an undercurrent of feeling against Ross. Who although he mat be a very good scout, is a man of very poor reputation in the North West].

I am sending you by concurrent mail a report as to our late movements.

I am,

Yours respectfully,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.

Commanding "Strathcona's Horse"

WATERVAL DRIFT

16th. July. 1900

My dear Sir,

The Regiment at present is divided up in detachments but will be concentrated to-morrow, excepting 40 men at Standerton, 60 at Watervaal Bridge and Station, and 50 at Grout Spruit. I left Greylingstadt on the 12th, instant with one Squadron and Headquarters accompanying Lord Dundonald's brigade in advance of Lt. Gen. Cleary's division en-route to the North-East. We were in support of the guns and early were fired upon but the enemy was driven off. We halted at Platkop farm that night and marched the next morning as advance guard. The right of the advance was under Major Sangeneister of the Border Mounted Rifles. We proceeded cautiously for some time but finally ascended the kopje and received a volley from a large force of Boers concealed on the hill. His horse and those of four of the Strathcona's were shot and the five, including the Major, taken prisoners. Two men, Pvtes. Robinson and Dodd were wounded. We recovered them that night from where they were left in a farm house. The Boers took all of their personal property, gold watches, money etc. etc. They were not dangerously wounded.

A change of direction of the Column was ordered at this time on account of the guides misunderstanding the route intended at first; consequently, there was great danger incurred. Time was not sufficient to let the flank and the advance party swing around. I was ordered to move the reserve to the front of the Column which had already changed. On passing over to my place we got under a flanking fire from a party of the enemy on our proper front. I placed the horses under cover though one hundred men dismounted to the flank, which was smartly done by the men, and opened fire. The enemy was driven off without loss to us, but if the cover had not been smartly taken we would have suffered seriously. I sent scouts to where the Major was taken and in other directions. The work was done with great intelligence, each scout being able to clearly explain the whole situation. They were all several times under hot fire.

Lord Dundonald then advanced on the kopje with us in front. Artillery fire caused the enemy to retire to the right rear of their position. The brigade followed and came in contact with them near Holgat Fontein (a farm) and two of Thornycroft's M.I. and the R.H.A. were wounded. The enemy had 4 guns and a Vickers Maxim or Pom-Pom. We suffered none but if further to the right rear might. The enemy's shells went over us. We eventually retreated and we went into camp at Platkop (a farm).

The next morning, the 14th., T.M.I. was in turn to furnish the advance guard and the advance being troubled by the smoke of veldt fires burning on all sides was closer than usual. We were in support of the guns. The advance, and in fact the whole of us, got under rifle and Pom-Pom fire and two of T.M.I. were wounded and a horse killed. Our men took position on the ridge except four with the horses, but had not to fire to much. The enemy fell back after a heavy fire of artillery was brought to bear. We encamped at Holgat Fontein farm the same night. Major Sangeneister sent me news of the strength of the Boers, viz., 800 men and five guns on each occasion. Our force was only 500 all told and we might have made a capture.

The men were perfectly cool all the time and left nothing to be desired.

We are likely to march to-morrow having come here yesterday when our men formed the advance and left, surprises quite impossible.

Major Laurie and Lt. Stevenson are still in hospital. All the rest of the officers are well. Major Snyder and Jarvis, and all but some four officers, show good ability and energy. Major Belcher is of course capable in every way, plucky and careful.

Lord Dundonald is much pleased with the gun detachment and our armourer. The scouting was perfect and the loss on the missing is not the fault of the men. They obeyed the Major and he was apparently right at the time.

I will send the usual detailed report.

I hope your lordship is quite well and that the regiment will be able to prove themselves the right stuff.

Yours respectfully,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE

A couple more.....

Here is a razor from my Fathers estate.......

Never been used......

Mike

Duplicated

Gentlemen......

We must not forget the ladies.......

Listed as "A Ladies Sanitary Razor" just the same as a mans safety razor only in miniature with blades that are very very sharp.....

The 2 Pound coin for size comparison.......

Mike

Thanks Steve will look for the book......

Mike

Good Evening Everyone......

Can anyone tell me where I can find a photo / description / line drawing of the webbing (I know its not called webbing in that period) worn by the 95th Rifles during the Napoleonic Wars up to Waterloo.....

Mike

Found this site...... Sorry for the bother.......

http://2nd95thrifles.myfastforum.org/index.php?component=content&topicid=981&highlight=

Hi Every One.....

I have tried 5 times now to post a reply to this thread and each time it has taken so long to upload that the computer has timed out and deleted post......

So......

Here is another thread: http://gmic.co.uk/index.php/topic/44925-scottish-regiments-tobacco-tin/

The reply was quite long so I am to frustrated to type it all out again but here are some of the pictures.....

Mike

Now it only allows me to put on one picture and the size is not the problem......

Sorry Mervyn.....

Has to be kept secret...... They can only make so many a day and with 50% of the worlds population being male they would be sold out in seconds.......

Mike

Good Morning Everyone

I know that this is not Military but when I found this shop I thought that I had to share it with everyone.....

After all we all need a little help every now and again.....

Mike

Vlaakfontein,

Transvaal,

6th, July, 1900.

Dear Sir,

Yesterday I was ordered to send Major Snyder and one hundred men to escort Lt. Harper whose troop of "A" in Major Snyder's Squadron was ordered to reinforce "C" Squadron at Greyingstad and they marched at 9:30 a.m. when the fog cleared off. The duty was performed and Major Snyder's on his way back.

I may mention Gen. Cleary sent an officer (Major Roycroft) to command the men of this Corps sent on the duty. Major Snyder was not aware of this when he started so his valuable experience as a scout etc. was lost. It is however fortunate that he did not go. although the action of placing in command an Officer of another regiment and not even of our brigade was unjustifiable in every sense.

The squadron scouting its way back was attacked at different points on the line by a party or parties of about three times their number; the maxim gun killed several and Lt. Ketchen who handled his troop with great skill accounted for at least ten besides some wounded carried off.

Six men of your corps were ordered by Major Roycroft to take a position on a kopje a mile from support. and that officer as you will observe by Major Snyder's report would not permit any attempt to be made to permit them to retire. Thus all splendid men were left in the lurch. Heavy firing was heard from them and their enemies as the poor fellows deserted by no fault of their own officers or comrades defended themselves no doubt against odds. They are still missing, but an effort is being made to get them or their remains.

If this had not happened the Regiment would have good cause for congratulation; the men behaved admirably. When Thornycroft's corps was ordered out I went with all the men in camp (35) and placed them with the supports, but unfortunately they did not require it. The men missing had been left long before that. Two (2) black scouts working on our left were wounded. Three other men who went without leave beyond the outposts are missing.

To-day 70 of the regiment are the escort of Gen. Buller with Thornycroft's Corps, and 80 will escort him from here to Botha's Kraal, a place some tem miles from here. I send you the official report of the day. Since I commenced this letter the men absent without leave have returned. They were attacked by a number of Boers and had to take refuge on a kopje where they were forced to remain all night. No tidings yet of the six left behind yesterday.

Hoping to have better news next time I write, I am,

Respectfully yours,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE,

Rt. Hon. Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal.

June 26th. 1900:

Following telegram from Sir Redevers Buller dated Headquarters Standerton:-

"Your fine regiment joined my force during the march to Standerton. I am very glad to have them. It is like being with old friends and they are most useful."

June 29th. 1900:

Lord Strathcona replied to Sir Redevers Buller as follows:-

"Much appreciate kind message. Regiment will greatly value your good opinion and being with you; hope may have opportunities showing appreciation and desire to serve the Queen."

Thank You Mervyn.....

Will keep posting all that I have...... There are some gaps, even the regiment does not know where they are......

Mike

Standerton

Transvaal,

June 26th, 1900.

The Right Honourable Lord Strathcona and Mount Royal

High Commissioner for Canada

17, Victoria Street, London

Dear Lord Strathcona,

I reported on my return to Durban from Kossi Bay.

We disembarked on the 7th and the following day entrained for Lower Tugela and joined "A" and "C" Squadrons there on the 10th. The next day under orders from Lord Roberts the whole Regiment marched for Eshowe reaching there early in the afternoon of the second day. I immediately commenced to re-arrange my transport to suit the rough country after leaving the waggon trails, and while doing so received orders on the 12th to return to Durban, the transport train from the Tugela and the Regiment by road took three days march. I started early on the morning of the 13th, and reached Durban on the evening of the 15th. There I found orders to entrain the next day for Newcastle which place we reached on Sunday evening. On Tuesday morning we marched for Zand Spruit to join Lord Dundonald's 3rd Mounted Brigade - General Buller's advance. We joined him on Wednesday, the 20th. The next day the column made a short march, remaining at Paardekop over night, leaving for Standerton on Friday.

So far the Regiment has not fired a single shot but from the look of things it will not be long before we have an action.

General Wolfe-Murray at Newcastle and General Buller on the march from Zand Spruit expressed themselves well pleased by the looks of the Regiment, noticing particularly the physique of the men and the splendid appearance of the Canadian Horses. The horses have stood the long marches and indifferent fodder remarkably well.

General Cleary's Corps is here, and under orders from him the Regiment is out on patrol to-day, some 15 miles to the South called Katspruit, where the enemy was reported to be at 11 o'clock last night.

I have the honor to be,

Sir,

Your obedient servant

(Signed) S. B. STEELE, Lt. Col.

Commanding "Strathcona's Horse"

S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E

ESHOWE, Zululand.

12th. June 1900.

Dear Lord Strathcona,

Since writing you this a.m. I have at last received definite orders to join Sir R. Buller who has still got fighting to do, and has been so anxious to get us. I have to send the wagons and mules to Tugela there to take the train to Newcastle, while I march with the Regiment to Durban by road, and entrain there for the same place. The pack transport to go with us. The distance is about 90 miles and we make Tugela our first day. The horses have been grazing to-day for the first time since they left Canada and enjoyed it very much. The march here, even if a mistake, has done us all good, and the one to Durban will do us no harm.

My letters to you must be confusing to you for we have been moved in so many directions. So many things have happened and so many have been ordered and not taken place that I fear you may have been wearied. I have impressed upon Major Belcher that in the event of anything happening to me, he will be in command and must keep you well informed of the movements of the regiment which I feel so honoured in commanding.

The sick in Durban and Cape Town, most of them through falls from their horses, some of which ere very fresh indeed, have careful attention.

I hope that the draft coming out to join us at once so that we make as strong a front as possible. We are 513 strong at present, which is as we are all mounted, more than any regiment of cavalry as they have so many dismounted men.

Lieut. Ketchen is acting Paymaster, and has all of the accounts of funds sent by you to Cape Town. Part of it is in the Standard Bank in Durban, and the rest in Cape Town. All accounts are correct.

I will not weary you any longer, further than to say that I hope we shall do honour to your corps.

Yours respectfully,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE

S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E

ESHOWE, Zululand

12th. June 1900.

Dear Lord Strathcona,

I made this place in two good marches in half a day less than expected. The regiment in excellent condition. The country is very like the foot hills of the Rockies, but higher with deep ravines, and lots of Zulu kraals on all sides. All the natives cheered us.

When I got here I was much disgusted to find that a telegram had followed me ordering the suspension of the operation until further orders. [and I am waiting to see what other thing they will do with us while shop boys and inferior horsemen are sent to the front].

The men are in fine spirits. [and it will be a shame not to let them go on. It is all military jealousy. Lord Roberts wants it done, but others throw obstacles in the way]. Sir R. Buller wants us with him. [but between them we will go nowhere at all]. I have worked hard to bring the Regiment into a good state of discipline, and am sure I have succeeded. Harmony exists to the most extent.

I will not weary you with any more, and will cable if anything new.

Hoping that you are well, I am,

Yours, sincerely,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE

S T R A T H C O N A ' S H O R S E

TUGELA, Zululand

7th, June 1900.

Dear Lord Strathcona,

We could not land at Kosi Bay and came to Durban, disembarked with celerity and after some delay owing to Sir. R. Buller wanting to have us and Lord Roberts preferring that we should make an attempt to carry out the original scheme which is now one requiring great endurance, caution and dash or it cannot succeed. Lord Roberts thinks it very difficult, and we will have to prove that we deserve his confidence. The transport in this country is the great trouble; everything is run by negroes and basutos are the drivers, and are a great nuisance. The numbers of animals used in the wagons far too many; ten mules required to haul the load of a Canadian four horse team and very much slower. The oxen, wretched inbred brutes, I must leave them behind and push on as best I can and trust to getting them again.

We are all sorry that we have not been employed but the jealousy of civilians shewn by some of the military kept the affairs have kept the regt. in abeyance until it will be ten times more difficult and dangerous than ever.

I have good guides who are well known loyal Englishmen, so I fear nothing on that score.

You will excuse this scrawl as have no table.

Respectfully yours,

(Signed) S. B. STEELE.