Henry Mundell: Hartigan's Horse

[sabrigade]

HARTIGAN'S HORSE

Prior to joining Hartigan's Horse, No 1746(M) Constable H.N.Mundell served in the South African Police District No 21 in the town of Middelburg in the Eastern Cape. This District was part of the Eastern CapeDivision. Born on 19 March 1891, Mundell attested in the Cape Mounted Police in 1909 and then joined the South African Police on its establishment. He would retire in 1936 after 27 years' service.

Hartigan's Horse was raised, equipped and trained for operational service within a period of two weeks. A serving member and officer of the SouthAfrican Police, Lieutenant Colonel Hartigan, was authorised by the Minister of Defence of the Union of South Africa to raise a unit to serve in the German South West African campaign. Hartigan was the Acting Deputy Commissioner of Police in the Eastern Division of the Cape Province.

Headquarters were established in East London in December,1914 and the unit was already at full strength by the end of January, 1915.More than 100 potential recruits had to be turned away. Four squadrons were then formed.

"A" Squadron was formed with members of the Southern Rifles and they were from the territories that formed the Transkei.

"B" Squadron was initially formed from a nucleus of men from the Eastern Division of the South African Police. Mundell joined this Squadron and was posted to "B" Troop. Like all South African Policemen who joined the Regiment, he was attached to the Union Defence Force "for service in the field" from 17 January 1915.

"C' Squadron was formed from the Transkei Mounted Rifles.

"D" Squadron consisted of new recruits and their training was conducted by members from the South African Police.

The Regiment had many experienced military and police veterans which were conducive to their quick preparation and training. These elite included men from the England,Scotland, Ireland, Wales, South Africa, Australia and even Denmark.

The Regiment had the reputation of being one of the finest "fighting" regiments that was established for the German South West Africa campaign. With very few exceptions, all the members of the South African Police returned to their police duties with effect from 31 May 1915. Mundell's date on his World War One card states he left the U.D.F. on 26 May 1915.

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MUNDELL'S MEDAL GROUP

The medal group includes:

1. The 1914-1915 Star.

2. British War Medal (1914 to 1920).

3. Allied Victory Medal, 1914 to 1918.

4. The War Medal (3rd September 1939 to 2nd September 1945).

5. The Africa Service Medal.

6. South African Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal.

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1914-15 Star to Hartigan's Horse

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Mundell's World War One card.

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Proof of receipt

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As a member of the Essential Service Protection Corps in East London, South Africa during World War 2.

On his right breast, Mundell is wearing the ribbons of the campaign medals that were awarded to his father for service during the 1879 Anglo-Zulu War and the Anglo-Boer War of 1899 to 1902.

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British War Medal to Hartigan's Horse.

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The Allied Victory Medal, 1914-18.

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A scarce pair named to the East London Company of the Essential Protection Corps.

120 members were entitled to this award but only 14 medals were claimed with the EL prefix.

The Corps was formed on 25 October 1939 and was for men over 45 years of age.

The purpose of the Corps was to protect key installations and its members qualified for the award of the Africa Service Medal.

Mundell was awarded a rare double issue of these tow campaign medals.

Edited May 16, 2011 by sabrigade

[sabrigade]

Double issue to Mundell.

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Naming on double issue.

[Mervyn Mitton]

A lovely set of medals, Will. You were lucky to have so much information. (I deleted the double post).

[sabrigade]

Thanks Mervyn,

I have been researching the early police units for a while now and have built up a good data base and library.

Thanks for deleting the double posting!

Regards,

Will

Edited May 16, 2011 by sabrigade