Q S A AND 1906 NATAL REBELLION

[Mervyn Mitton]

The Queen's South Africa Medal for the 2nd. Boer War is quite straightforward. There are Bars for 1901 and 1902 - so he obviously didn't do much to help the war effort ! Good Regiment though - Pte. H.R. Manning 3 D.Gds - (3rd. Dragoon Guards) - they were a Regt. of heavy Cavalry.

The 1906 is much rarer - and although I'm sure it has been shown many times before on the Forum - it is an interesting medal. Firstly, it is the only Imperial medal to have been awarded from London for a local engagement and one in which no Imperial troops took part. Secondly, the numbers are small. Only 8000 with the bar ' 1906 ' and just 2000 with no bar. (They never crossed the Tugela River into Zululand)

The King's head is that of Edward 7th, whilst the reverse shows the figure of 'NATAL' - She is holding a sword of justice - and in the other hand the Palm Branch of Peace. She is standing on a heap of Zulu weaponry. Brittania supports Her - with the Orb - representing Empire. The Sun - coming out from behind the clouds of 'Trouble' represents the future. All very symbolic !

The Anglo-Zulu War of 1879 saw the overthrow of the Zulu Nation and in fact Sir Garnet Wollesly - who took over from Lord Chelmsford - split the original Kingdom into a number of lesser ones. These didn't last long and things 'limped' along until 1906. The Natal Govt. introduced a Poll Tax - which was used as medium to stir up trouble amongst the Zulus. Since their defeat there had been several attempts at revolt - but, this tax gave the needed impetus. A chief - Bambatha - was working in collusion with the King at the time - Dinizulu - meetings were held, groups formed and it started with an attack on a Natal Police escort for people being evacuated.

Natal was not in the weak condition it had been at the start of the Boer War and was able to assemble a substantial force to face the threat. This was also re-inforced by troops from the Transvaal. I will not go into all of the details - it is worth the trouble though to read how we were prepared to defend ourselves in difficult times. Eventually Bambatha was cornered and killed in the fight - the King, Dinizulu , was tried and exiled for a number of years to St. Helena.

The 1906 medal is named to Tpr. H.R.Manning Ntl POLICE (Natal Police ) Since they were heavily involved it makes the pair more interesting. I was planning to do some research on his role in the Natal Police - unfortunately it was put out on Friday and someone bought-it on Sat. morning - so. I have lost my opportunity...

[Mervyn Mitton]

[Brian Wolfe]

Hi Mervyn,

I can see why this pair was sold quickly. I'm sure there will be many members hoping, while reading your post, that this pair will be available for purchase. Thank you for taking the time to share this pair of medals with us, especially considering it was gone so quickly.

Regards

Brian

[Guest Darrell]

That is another on my want list. It was a nice pair Mervyn.