Bronze British War Medal 1914-20 to the SANLC - 15937 Pte E. Albane

[sabrigade]

BRONZE BRITISH WAR MEDAL 1914 - 20

This South African Native Labour Corps existed from 1916 to 1918. It was raised from the Black populations from South Africa and the High Commission Territories for service in France. The contingents spent specific periods of time in France, a year I think, and rendered very good service. Officers were often selected for their experience in working with the black population. The strength of the Corps is given as 292 Officers, 1404 European Non-Commissioned Officers and 25000 other ranks.

As far as I can determine, NO medals were issued to South African black members of the Contingent and the awards were limted to members from the High Commission Territories - Swaziland, Bechuanaland (Botswana) and Basutholand (Lesotho). Figures vary but it would appear that approximately ONLY 2500 medals were awarded to the SANLC.

The Bronze War Medal was also issued to Chinese, Indian and Maltese presonnel in labour batalions. A total of approximately 110000 of these medals were awarded (Medal Yearbook 2009).

[Ulsterman]

wow! something new in the field of British medals.

Were BWM awards not made to SA black troops because of the SA governments' racial stance, or was there another reason?

I remember reading in Purvis and I think medal News that someone had come across a medal index of awards to officers of the Labour Corps. Surprisingly, there were a significant number of Chinese Imperial awards given to British officers of the LC.

[sabrigade]

This was a decision made by the South African governernment at the time.

In a previous post where I posted a trio with the prefix "N" I referred to the amount of ill feeling that the isue of medals to memebers of the SAMR and SAA caused amonst veterans of the SANLC. Only 10% of the SANLC memebers recieved their medals and they were not South Africans.

The racial and cost issue has been raised as the possible reasons for not awarding the medals to Black South African members of the SANLC.

[Chris Boonzaier]

The racial and cost issue has been raised as the possible reasons for not awarding the medals to Black South African members of the SANLC.

I wonder who carried the costs? The British or South African Govts?

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2009/post-3034-1245821433.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_06_2009/post-3034-1245821368.jpg

MEDALS TO N0 945 PRIVATE A. SHOVAL, 1ST CAPE COLOURED LABOR REGIMENT

There was also a Cape Coloured Labor Regiment that was formed for service in France. Regarded as an Imperial Unit or Structure, they were awarded the normal British World War 1 campaign medals and they were issued with the British Victory and NOT the South African version. Costs were paid by the British Authorities for the medal issues.

[sabrigade]

SHOVAL'S BRITISH VICTORY MEDAL

[sabrigade]

Chris,

Costs for the SANLC were carried by the South African government, hence the issue of the Bilingual or South African version of the Victory Medal to officers and NCO's.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Somewhere I have copies of the papers of the SA mint, very interesting as they show how many medlas were engraved to each SA unit. I was sure I had posted them here somewhere...

[sabrigade]

The next point of discussion could/may be the issue of death plaques to these units?

Would be interesting to see the documents regarding medal issues, I have attempted to specialise on the South African contribution to the Western Front but temptation is always a problem!

[Mervyn Mitton]

Will - these last few posts have been most interesting and have raised issues which have been buried for years. I don't know a lot on this subject, so am keeping clear - - however, there is a comparison with an earlier period. Mahatma Gandhi was the Sgt. Maj. to the Indian Hospital Bearers Corps. and had approx. 20 Indians with him who acted as officers/NCO's - the numbers of stretcher bearers was in excess of 700 men and they did great work - under difficult and dangerous circumstances. Only the few 'leaders' were granted the QSA - which needless to say is a most valuable item with their inscription. Do you perhaps have anything on them ?

[sabrigade]

Hi Mervyn,

For some reason I missed your reply.

I have restricted my Boer War collection to examples of the various clasps and an example each of the bronze QSA, Queen's Mediterranean and the Transport medals.

As far as I know, Gandhi was instrumental in raising the force from his fellow countrymen and this was done in Durban in 1899. They did very good work at Spioenkop and were awarded their QSA medals without any major issues being experienced as did the SANLC in and after WW1.

A resurrected IBC unit also took part in the 1906 Zulu rebellion.

I am sure there are some very knowledgable members out there who will be able to shed more light on this aspect

Regards,

Will

Edited June 27, 2009 by sabrigade