Cape Coloured Labour Regiment

[sabrigade]

This unit was formed in 1916 for service on the Western Front.

Badges and items to them are very scarce and are seldom.

As an introduction, the following badges and items are in the photograph, from left to right, top to bottom:

1. Voided centre type bronze metal cap badge worn 1916 to 1918.

2. Bronze metal cap badge worn 1916 to 1918.

3. Collar badges with the motto "spes bona" meaning good hope.

4. Very rare and unique regimental buttons.

[sabrigade]

Private Arendse was a young member who joined and accompanied his unit to France.

I am very fortunate to have obtained his medals, cap badge and portrait as a complete set.

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-58155600-1326607117.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-75030900-1326607145.jpg

CAPE COLOURED LABOUR REGIMENT

VOIDED CENTRE TYPE BRONZE METAL CAP BADGE AND BACKING

WORN BY PTE ARENDSE

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-26975700-1326607385.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-46930100-1326607406.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-93972000-1326607425.jpg

PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPH OF PRIVATE ARENDSE IN A HALLMARKED SILVER FRAME

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-81241000-1326607761.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-46951900-1326607799.jpg

BRITISH WAR MEDAL 1914 - 20

[sabrigade]

http://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-34822400-1326608010.jpghttp://gmic.co.uk/uploads/monthly_01_2012/post-3034-0-64374500-1326608029.jpg

VICTORY MEDAL

Because the Cape Coloured Labour Regiment was regarded as an "Imperial Service Unit", they were awarded the British and not the South African pattern Victory Medal.

[sabrigade]

REVERSE OF THE BRITISH PATTERN VICTORY MEDAL

I am waiting for research on Private Arendse and will update the posts when I receive any information.

[Chris Boonzaier]

Thats fantastic! It is very difficult to find a Photograph with SA non European groups IMHO.

[Arthur R]

An excellent group of medals and badges. The shield-and-anchor device is the old civic coat of arms of Cape Town. The motto is also from the civic arms.

[Mervyn Mitton]

A very interesting post, Will. Very few collectors appreciate how rare they are - I have had badges stay in the shop for years.

This is particularly good as it has his photo and all of the other bits and pieces. Mervyn

[paul wood]

A very interesting post, Will. Very few collectors appreciate how rare they are - I have had badges stay in the shop for years.

This is particularly good as it has his photo and all of the other bits and pieces. Mervyn

Most interesting, I have a pair to the Indian Bearer Corps. They served in Africa and as such unlike the Cape Coloured Labour Corps they received the bilingual Victory medal. I agree with Mervyn what you have is truly rare. I will be most interested to hear what research you come up with.

Paul

[sabrigade]

I have a researcher working on finding the file and/or any other information that is available.

I believe that the British government paid for the issue of the medals to the Cape Coloured Labour Regiment and I that they were the only "complete" South African unit to be issued with the British Victory Medal.

Thank you for the comments.

Edited January 17, 2012 by sabrigade