Canada and the South African Constabulary

[QSAMIKE]

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY
V.R.
"Government Gazette Extraordinary,"
Pretoria, October 22, 1900
No. 24 of 1900.

A PROCLAMATION

Organization of South African Constabulary

Whereas it is expedient to organize, establish, and regulate a force for the better protection of life and property in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, to be called the "South African Constabulary."

Now therefore, I, Frederick Sleigh, Baron Roberts of Kandahar and Waterford, K.P., G.C.B.,G.C.S.I., G.C.I.E., V.C., Field Marshal, Commander-in-Chief of Her Majesty's Forces in South Africa do proclaim, declare and make known:
 

1. An armed and mounted force shall be established in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, and known as the "South African Constabulary."

2. The members of the said force shall be sworn before a Justice of the Peace, or Officer empowered by the Inspector-General to administer the oath, to act as a police in and throughout the Transvaal and Orange River Colony for preserving the peace and preventing crimes, and apprehending offenders against the peace; and also as a military force for the defence of the Colonies. In addition to their ordinary duties in the Transvaal or Orange River Colony, the members of the force may be called upon to serve as a military or police force in any part of South Africa.

3. The said force shall be under the command of Field Officers, to be styled Lieutenant-Colonel, and other Officers to be styled Major, Captain, and Lieutenant respectively, to be from time to time appointed as herinafter provided; and all such Officers shall be under and subject to, the orders and command of the Inspector-General of the said Constabulary, to whom such Field Officers shall from time to time, as occasion may require, or whenever they shall be called upon so to do by the said Inspector-General, report on the condition of the force under their command, and on all matters of importance connected therewith, and shall consult and be guided by the advice of the said Inspector-General in respect of the subjects of such reports. It shall be competent for the Inspector-General to appoint one or more of the Field Officers of the force to be Assistant Inspector-General

4. The Governor, Administrator, or other person for the time being responsible for the administration of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony (hereinafter call the Governor) shall, by warrant under his hand, appoint the Field Officers in the preceding section mentioned, and such other Officers as he may deem expedient for the general superintendence and management of the said force, and may from time to time displace and remove such Officers and appoint other in their places to him shall seem meet: provided that no officer so appointed shall be promoted to any higher grade than that to which he was first nominated without passing the satisfactory examination in such subjects as the Governor shall from time to time settle and appoint, and before such examiners as the Governor shall from time to time nominate.

5. The Inspector-General shall from time to time make such regulations respecting the enlistment, discipline, discharge, training, arms and accoutrements, clothing and equipment, of such force, and respecting all other matters connected therewith as may be required for promoting the discipline and efficiency thereof, and shall also direct the employment and distribution of the said force, within or without the boundaries of the Transvaal or Orange River Colony, as to him shall seem meet, under the direction of the Governor.

6. It shall be the duty of the Field and other Officers of the said force to suppress all tumults, riots and affrays, or breaches of the piece in any part of the Transvaal or Orange River Colony where they may be on duty, and to assist in the defence of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, and to discharge military duties in connection therewith when called upon so to do.

7. The members of the said force so sworn as aforsaid throughout the Transvaal and Orange River Colony shall have such powers and privileges and shall be liable to all such duties and responsibilities as and Police Officers or Constables may by law have, or be liable to and shall obey all lawful directions touching the execution of their office which they may from time to time receive from their officers.

PART 11. - DISCIPLINE

8. Any member of the force who may be charged with the offence of contravening any regulation which may be made, under and by virtue of this Proclamation, or any of the offenses in the schedule hereto, may be tried by and before: -

1.A. Any of the superior Courts of Law in the Transvaal or Orange River Colony within the jurisdiction of which such offence shall have been committed.

2.B The Court of the Magistrate of the district in which such offence has been committed; or

3.C A board of Officers as hereinafter mentioned. And shall, upon conviction, be liable to be punished as follows:--

1. If the conviction shall be before any of the said superior Courts such Court may sentence the offender to be imprisoned with or without hard labour for a period not exceeding five years, or to pay a fine not exceeding one hundred pounds and in default of payment thereof, to be imprisoned with or without hard labour for any period not exceeding one year; or to both such fine and such imprisonment.

2. If the conviction shall be before a Court of Magistrate, such Court may sentence the offender to pay a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, and in default of payment thereof, to be imprisoned with or without hard labour for any period not exceeding six months; or to be imprisoned as aforesaid without the infliction of any fine; or both such fine and such imprisonment.

3. If the conviction shall be by a Board of Officers, such Board may sentence the offender as mentioned in the last preceding paragraph.

9. In case any non-commissioned officer or private shall offend against any such regulation as aforesaid, it shall be lawful for any officer commanding a troop, or any officer commanding a detachment of the said force, to stop from the pay of such offender any sum not exceeding five pounds, or sentence him to imprisonment with or without hard labour for any period not exceeding fourteen days, or to sentence him to such punishment as may be provided on that behalf in any such regulation as aforesaid, or such officer may take proceedings for the purpose of such offender being tried under the eighth section of this proclamation: Provided that any officer who shall try any offender under the provisions of this section shall forthwith after such trial forward the proceedings in, and full particulars of, the case to the field officer commanding the wing in which such offender is serving.

10. Upon any member of the force being charged with having committed any of the offenses in this proclamation mentioned, the charge, in case the offence shall not have been summarily dealt with under the last preceding section, shall be forthwith reported to the officer in command of the troop or detachment to which such offender is then attached, who shall thereupon forth with report the particulars of the case to the field officer of his wing of the force, who shall, having regard to the said particulars and the nature and magnitude of the offence, direct whether the offender shall be proceeded against before a Board of Officers as aforesaid, before the Court of Magistrate having jurisdiction in the case, or (as to offenses in the eighth section thereof mentioned) before a superior Court as aforesaid: Provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent the said officer or the field officer from ordering the discharge of any prisoner in case it appears to him that there are not sufficient grounds for putting such prisoner upon his trial; and if the proceedings are directed to be before a superior Court, or before a Court of Magistrate, they shall be the same in all respects as in the case of an ordinary offender or supposed offender against the law, and the said offender shall be in the same plight and condition as any other person charged with criminal offence.

11. The Board of Officers hereinbefore mentioned shall consist of not less than three officers of the said force, of whom the field officer commanding the wing in which the accused is serving may be one; and the said officers shall be selected and summoned by the field officer. The said field officer, if present, and if not, the senior officer present, shall be the President of such Board, and the decision of the majority of the members of such Board shall be deemed to be the decision of such Board: Provided that, in case the members of the said Board shall be equally divided in opinion, the decision of the President shall be deemed to be the decision of the Board.

12. The proceedings before and at any trial by a Board of Officers shall, except as otherwise herein mentioned, as near as may be, be the same as those prescribed for criminal proceedings before the Lower Courts; and all the evidence which maybe given before such Board shall be taken down in writing by the President or by order of the said President by a shorthand writer duly sworn by the said President, who shall extend the same in ordinary writing, and his testimony shall at some time thereafter be read over to the witness and signed by him; the said President shall also swear the witnesses, and any person so sworn who shall wilfully and corruptly give false evidence before any such Board shall be deemed to be guilty of the crime of perjury, and upon conviction thereof shall suffer any punishment by Law provided for that crime.
 

13. Every person who may be required to give or produce evidence in any case pending before any such Board shall be summoned in writing, by any officer of the said force ; and all witnesses so duly summoned, who shall not attend, or attending shall refuse to be sworn, or being sworn shall refuse to give evidence, or not produce the documents under their power or control required to be produced by them, or to answer all such questions as the said Board may legally demand of them, shall be liable to be dealt with by such Board in like manner as if such witness had been a witness duly summoned to appear before a Magistrate in a criminal case pending in the Court of such Magistrate.

14. When and as often as any such Board as aforesaid shall sentence any offender under this Proclamation to be imprisoned, with or without hard labour, for any period exceeding fourteen days, or to pay a fine exceeding one pound, the President of such Board shall forthwith, after pronouncing such sentence, transmit the original proceedings in the case, together with such remarks, if any, as he may desire to append, to the Commandant-General.

15. All offenders arrested for any offence under this Proclamation, and all offenders sentenced to imprisonment by any officer or Board of Officers as aforesaid, may be imprisoned in any building set apart as a guard room or police prison by order of the field officer commanding : Provided that, in case the sentence shall exceed fourteen days' imprisonment, with or without hard labour, the person convicted shall be removed to the nearest public gaol, there to undergo such sentence, and when so removed he shall be in the same plight and condition as if the sentence had been a sentence of one of the ordinary Courts of Law of the Transvaal or Orange River Colony : And provided also, that so long as any man shall be imprisoned in any guard-room or prison as aforesaid, the same shall as to such offender be deemed to be a public gaol, but every Board of Officers aforesaid and the Magistrate of the district shall have the like jurisdiction and powers as to offenses committed by any such prisoner while imprisoned in any such guardroom or prison as are given to the Magistrate of the district, as to the public goals within his district.

16. No period during which any offender shall be imprisoned for any offence for which he shall be afterwards convicted, or during which he shall be imprisoned under a sentence of any Court or Board as aforesaid, shall be reckoned for any purpose as part of the period of service of such offender unless the Court or Board aforesaid ordering such imprisonment shall otherwise direct.
 

17. Nothing in this Proclamation contained shall prevent any offender from being prosecuted otherwise than under the provisions of the Proclamation in all cases in which he would by law, without this Proclamation, be liable to such prosecution ; but no member of the said force acquitted or convicted of any crime or offence under the provisions of this Proclamation, shall be liable to be again tried for the same crime or offence : Provided that nothing herein contained shall prevent a member of the said force who has been convicted from being dismissed from the said force or reduced in rank therein by an officer empowered to dismiss.

18. It shall be lawful for the said field officers, respectively, to suspend, degrade, or dismiss from his employment any non-commissioned officer or private whom he shall think remiss or negligent in the execution of his duty, or otherwise unfit for the same; and when any such non-commissioned officer or private shall be so dismissed, or shall otherwise cease to belong to the said force, all powers and authorities vested in him by virtue of this Proclamation shall cease and determine: Provided, however, that no sentence of dismissal shall take effect unless and until the same be confirmed by the Inspector-General of the South African Constabulary or officer acting for the time being in that capacity.

PART III – GENERAL

19. If any licensed or unlicensed dealer in wines and spirits, or any intoxicating liquors shall knowingly harbour or entertain any man belonging to the said force, or permit such man to abide or remain in his house, shop, room or other place, during any part of the time appointed for his being on duty elsewhere, every such dealer shall for a first offence, forfeit and pay any sum not exceeding ten pounds, to be recovered in a summary way; and for a second or subsequent offence shall be liable, beside such penalty, to imprisonment for any period not exceeding one month, with or without hard labour.

20. If any person shall, in consequence of any sale, pledge or other disposition made by any member of the said force, in contravention of paragraph No.17 of the schedule to this Proclamation, knowingly receive or have any animal, article, matter or thing in the said section mentioned, such person shall incur and be liable to a fine not exceeding twenty pounds, and in default of payment thereof, shall be liable to be kept imprisoned and kept at hard labour for any period not exceeding three months unless such fine be sooner paid.

21. No animal, article, matter, or thing mentioned in paragraph seventeen in the schedule to this Proclamation, and therein forbidden to be sold pledges, or otherwise disposed of, shall be capable of being seized or attached by or under writ of execution which may be sued out against any member of the said force, nor shall the same pass by or under any order made for the sequestration of the estate of any such member.

22. It shall be lawful for the Governor to award to any of the men belonging to the said force, such sum of money as to him shall seem meet, as a reward for extraordinary diligence or exertion, or as a compensation for wounds or severe injuries received in the performance of their duty, or as an allowance to such of them as shall be disabled by bodily injury received, or shall by worn out by length of service.

23. For the protection of persons acting in the execution of this Proclamation, all actions and prosecutions to be commenced against any person for anything done in pursuance of the Proclamation shall be commenced within four calendar months after the cause of the action shall have arisen, or offence be committed, and not otherwise; and notice in writing of such action and of the cause thereof, shall be given to the defendant one calendar month, at least, before the commencement of the action; and if a verdict shall be given for the defendant, or the plaintiff be non-suited, or discontinue any such action after issue joined, or if, upon exception, or otherwise, judgment shall be given against the plaintiff, the defendant shall recover his full costs and between attorney and client.

24. Any Officer, Non-Commissioned Officer or Member of the South African Constabulary who, by his negligence, causes any loss or damage to Government property under his charge or control, shall be liable to make good such damage or loss, over and above any penalty imposed by this Proclamation, or by any regulation thereunder framed. If the loss amounts to five pounds, or less, the matter may be investigated by any officer commanding a troop or detachment, who may impose a fine to the amount of five pounds, or sentence him to imprisonment with or without hard labour for a period not exceeding fourteen days; but if the loss amounts to more than five pounds but less than twenty pounds it must be dealt with by a Magistrate or Board of Officers, who can impose a fine to the amount of the loss, or sentence him to a term of imprisonment with or without hard labour for a period not exceeding six months; and if the loss be more than twenty pounds it must be dealt with by a Superior Court, which can impose a fine to the extent of the loss, or sentence him to a term of imprisonment with or without hard labour for a period not exceeding one year.

SCHEDULE OF OFFENCES REFERRED TO IN THIS PROCLAMATION

1. Beginning or inciting, causing or joining in any mutiny or sedition.

2. Being present at any mutiny or sedition, and not using his utmost endeavour to suppress the same.

3. Conspiring with any persons to cause mutiny or sedition.

4. Knowing or any mutiny or sedition, and not without delay giving information thereof to his immediate commanding officer.

5. Striking or offering violence, or using threatening or insubordinate language to a superior officer in the force, being in the execution of his duty.

6. Disobeying the lawful command of a superior officer in the force.

7. During the period for which he shall have engaged to serve in the said force deserting from the same or refusing to serve therein or advising or persuading any other member said force to desert from the same, or knowingly receiving or entertaining any deserter, and not immediately on discovery giving information to his commanding officer, or taking other means to cause such deserter to be apprehended.

8. Misbehaving before the enemy, or shamefully abandoning or delivering up any fort, post, camp, station or guard committed to his charge, or which it was his duty to defend, or inciting any other person to do so.

9. Discharging any fire-arms, making any signal, or by other means whatsoever, intentionally occasioning false alarm in action, camp or quarters.

10. Casting away his arms in the presence of an enemy.

11. Being, while a sentinel, found sleeping on his post, or leaving the same before being regularly relieved.

12. Disclosing, verbally or in writing, the numbers, position or preparations of the force or forces to which he is attached and by such disclosure, producing effects injurious to the service to which he belongs.

13. Being in the command of a guard, picquet or patrol, and without proper authority releasing any prisoner committed to his charge, or suffering him to escape.
14. Drunkenness.
15. Malingering, deigning or producing disease or infirmity or wilfully maiming or injuring himself or another member of the force, whether at the instance of such other member or not or causing himself to be maimed or injured by any other person, with intent thereby to render himself or such other member, unfit for service.

16. Taking any bribe or gratuity whatever with reference to any duty, imposed upon him, or wilfully neglecting to execute any warrant entrusted to him.

17. Selling, pledging or otherwise disposing of any horse, saddle, bridle, gun, clothing, ammunition or other article of equipment, which by the regulations of the said force for the time being he shall be required to keep and possess.

18. Conduct to the prejudice of good order and discipline

Given under my Hand and Sea at Pretoria this Twenty-Second day of October, One Thousand Nine Hundred,

ROBERTS, FIELD-MARSHAL

Commanding-in-Chief, South Africa

_______________________________________

Enclosure B in No. 24 of 1900

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE IN THE SOUTH AFRICAN

CONSTABULARY FOR MEN ENROLLING IN ENGLAND.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY

1. A permanent local Mounted Force will be formed for the maintenance of order and public security in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony.

2. The Force will be styled the South African Constabulary.

3. It will have its headquarters in Pretoria, and will act as District Mounted Police in times of peace, and as a Military Force in times of war. It will be available for service in any part of British South Africa. Candidates who are N.C.O.'s or men of the Imperial Regular Forces must have completed their Colours Service.

4. The term or engagement on full pay will be for three years, with the possibility for N.C.O.'s and men of re-engaging on increased pay, or of retiring to the Constabulary Reserve at the end of that period. (for particulars see "Conditions of Service," etc).

5. The rates of pay will be liberal, so that a superior class of men will find it worth while to engage.

6. Promotion will be by merit. Commissions will be obtainable from the ranks.

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE, PAY PROMOTION, RESERVE, DISCHARGE, &C.

OFFICERS:-
7. Engagement for not less than three years. Officers from the Imperial Army will be temporarily employed with the force on probation for three months, after which, if satisfactory, application will be made for them to be seconded from their regiment. Other candidates for Commissions will not be definitely appointed till they have served for three months to the satisfaction of the Inspector-General.

PAY:-

8. Colonel Commanding Division............................1,200 per annum

Lieutenant Colonel...............................................1,000 per annum

Major (according to importance of post)...............750 to 900 per annum

Captain (ditto-ditto)...............................................510 to 600 per annum

Lieutenant.............................................................23s to 25s per diem

2nd Lieutenant......................................................20s per diem

ALLOWANCES:-
9. Office and Contingent Allowances included in above rates. Travel allowances, 15s a day when on duty out of district.

10. Officers will find their own uniform, arms and equipment. Medical attendance, rations, and forage will be provided by the Government. Officers below the rank of Field Officer will be entitled to one Government horse free. Other Officers may purchase Government horses by instalments.

MESS AND BAND:-

11. Officers will subscribe to the "Mess and Band Funds" on the principles laid down in Army Regulations.

PROMOTION:-
12. Promotion will be by selection. A knowledge of colloquial Dutch will count in an Officer's favour when he is being considered for promotion.

WARRANT OFFICERS, N.C.O.'s AND MEN ENLISTMENT FOR TWO YEARS, OR ONE YEAR AS IN PARA. 30:-

13. Candidates must not be under 20 or over 35 years of age.

PAY:- /s/d

14. Superintendent Warrant officers...........15 0 per diem

Sergeant-Major (Staff Sergt).................10 0 per diem

Sergeant (1st Class Sergeant)............. 9 0 per diem

2nd Class Sergeant.............................. 8 0 per diem

Corporal................................................ 7 6 per diem

1st Class Trooper.................................. 7 0 per diem

2nd Class Trooper................................. 6 0 per diem

3rd Class Trooper.................................. 5 0 per diem

ALLOWANCES;-
15. In addition to above rates, an allowance will be granted to compensate for extra high market prices to all N.C.O.'s and men while stationed north of the Vaal river, within a radius of 50 miles from Johannesburg. The amount of such allowance will be subject to revision every six months. It is provisionally fixed at two shillings per diem. In exceptional cases where rations cannot be supplied, a ration allowance will be made of 2s per diem. Travelling allowances from 5s a day when travelling on duty out of district.

PAY AND PROMOTION:-

16. Pay as well as promotion, will be largely according to a man's efficiency and behaviour, troopers being divided into three classes, and N.C.O.'s into four, for this purpose. Promotion from one class to another among troopers depends on their qualifying in Constabulary duties, musketry, signalling, language, and other tests, and on their continuing, efficient in these subjects. Men of all grades will enter at the lowest pay for their grade. Promotion in the N.C.O.'s ranks will, as a general rule, only be granted to those who qualify in colloquial Dutch.

ARMY RESERVISTS:-

17. A limited number of Army Reservists will be allowed to engage in the Corps. Such appointments will, by preference, be given to artificers, such as farriers, wheelers, armourers, saddlers, saddle-tree makers, pioneers, R.E. masons and carpenters, telegraphists, signallers, gunners, N.C.O.'s and others. Should they be on the married roll, their wives and families will be brought out free, but application for this privilege must be made within six weeks of engaging in the Corps. When a wife or family has thus been brought out, Government will not undertake to take them or the man home again.

RE-ENGAGEMENT:-
18. On completion of the first three year's service, a man if approved by the O.C. Division, re-engage for a further term at 3d. a day extra pay for two years. On completion of this (five years), he may re-engage for a further service by the year, if the O.C. Division approves, at 6d. a day for every additional year until the total increase of pay for re-engagement shall have reached 2s per diem.

FREE ISSUES:-

19. Rations, horse, forage, clothing, equipment, arms, quarters, medical attendance &c., are supplied free.

DISCHARGE:-
20. A N.C.O. or man may be discharged at any time by order of the O.C. Division with or without gratuity. A discharge may be purchased with the consent of the O.C. Division at j 20 during the first year, or j 15 during the second year of service, j 10 during the third.

CONSTABULARY RESERVE AND GRATUITIES ON QUITTING SERVICE:-

21. Any N.C.O. Or trooper may, with the approval of his C.O., Be transferred to the Constabulary Reserve, providing that there is a vacancy for him at the end of his first engagement, or if he re-engages, at the end of any period or re-engagement up to the completion of five years from his first entry into the service. Every man transferred to the Constabulary Reserve shall remain in it, and have his permanent residence in the Orange River Colony or Transvaal, unless discharged, up to the end of seven years from the date of his first entry into the service. A man wishing to purchase his discharge from the Constabulary Reserve my do so on payment of 12 at any period of his service in the Reserve. He will receive, while in the Constabulary Reserve, pay at the rate of j 1 per month. He will be liable to be called out annually for a short period of training and will be liable to be called out for active service at any time, by proclamation of the Administrator, Governor, or Colony, declaring the existence of a state of war or of such serious menace to the peace as to render mobilization necessary. While in training, or on active service, he will receive full pat at the same rate which he was enjoying when transferred to the Constabulary Reserve.

22. In addition to their pay, Constabulary Reservists, if they desire to settle on the land, will receive special consideration in any Government aided scheme of settlement. Proposals are at present under consideration whereby suitable settlers may be assisted to acquire land and be aided at starting by Government advances, the purchase price and capital advanced being re-payable by instalments on easy terms. If any plan of this kind is found practicable, a certain number of farms annually will be offered, in the first instance, to members of the South African Constabulary who, having borne a good character, may be desirous of being transferred to the Constabulary Reserve with a view to actually settling on the land as farmers.

Similar privileges will be extended to N.C.O.'s and men who may quit the South African Constabulary after five or more years' continuous service, being a good character. Any man having served at least five years continuously in the South African Constabulary (not including Constabulary Reserve Service), with a good character, will be entitled on retiring to a gratuity of one months pay for every year of service.

RE-ENLISTMENT:-
23. Men on the Constabulary Reserves may, with approval of Officer Commanding Division, be taken on to full pay again at any time for a term of two years at 3d a day extra pay.

23A. Men desirous of marrying while in the South African Constabulary must first obtain the sanction of the O.C. Division to their doing so. They will then be entitled to an allowance to cover lodging and other expenses, such as fuel, light, rations &c., at the consolidated rate of 3s a day.

CANDIDATES:-
24. Men must, as far as possible, be good riders and good shots, strictly sober, and actually recommended by their C.O.'s or Employers and medically fit.

26. Where a number of men join from one corps or place, they will be squadded as far as possible together in the South African Constabulary.

27. They will be engaged under Proclamation No. 24 of 22nd October, 1900 and the above condition of service.

LEAVE AND FURLOUGH:-

29. Leave of absence will, where possible, be granted to all ranks for one month in each year cumulative, on full pay; special conditions ruling shooting leave and leave to England or out of South Africa. After four years without leave, six months' full pay will be granted.

(signed)
R.S.S. BADEN-POWELL,

MAJOR-GENERAL
Inspector-General South African Constabulary

Pretoria, 20th October, 1901

 

CANADIAN RECRUITING.

Captain P. Fall, Lord Strathcona's Horse, who was to be appointed to the Constabulary, was sent from South Africa to pass the men. It was the intention that Lieutenant-Colonel S. B. Steele, M.V.O., C.B., who commanded Lord Strathcona's Horse, and was also to receive an appointment in the Constabulary, should be in charge of all recruiting in Canada, and Captain Fall was to await Lieutenant-Colonel Steele's arrival before proceeding with the work. As Lieutenant-Colonel Steele did not leave South Africa until January 20, authority was given by the Colonial Office, on January 29, to proceed with the recruiting pending his arrival. This permission was received most opportunely as applications were by this time pouring in from all parts of the Dominion and even from the United States. Instructions were issued on February 8, the recruiting to commence in British Columbia, the North-west Territories, and Manitoba on February 21; in Ontario, March 4, and in Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island, March 7 and 8. Candidates had already been informed, in the orders issued on January 15, that they were to make application for enlistment to the Adjutant General, Ottawa, using one of the printed forms provided for the purpose. In due time the applications were passed upon by Captain Fall, who arrived in Ottawa about February 1, the order of preference being, provided the candidate was eligible as regards age, standard, medical fitness, &c. as follows :—

1. Men who had already served in South Africa.

2. Men who had served in the mounted branches of the Permanent Corps or the North-west Mounted Police

3. Men who had performed three consecutive years training in the Cavalry or Field Artillery of the Active Militia.

4. Men who had served in the Royal Canadian Regiment of Infantry.

5. Men who had served in the Infantry and Garrison Artillery of the Active Militia.

6. Other applicants.

CANADIAN AGREEMENT.

I, do hereby contract, promise and agree to serve His Majesty King Edward VII., His Heirs and Successors, in the South African Constabulary, established and constituted under and by virtue of the proclamation of Field Marshal Lord Roberts, Commander-in Chief of His Majesty's Forces in South Africa, dated at Pretoria on the 22nd day of October, 1900, under the terms and conditions, and at the rates of pay and allowance mentioned and set out in the circular of the Inspector General of the said Constabulary dated at Pretoria, the 20 h day of October, 1900, for a term of three years or until sooner lawfully discharged there from, and I agree to place myself under and to be subject to the orders and direction of the officer or officers detailed to transport me from the place of enlistment to the enlistment depot of the corps in South Africa and do promise and undertake to obey the same. And I do further agree while enroute from my place of enlistment or attestation to South Africa to submit myself to and to be bound by the disciplinary clauses contained in the said proclamation of Lord Roberts before mentioned. In the event of my being adjudged guilty of any misbehaviour at any period or portion of the journey from the place of my enlistment to the depot -in South Africa, I acknowledge that I render myself liable at the option of the Inspector General not to be accepted for the corps, and I agree that no right or claim for compensation or for any transport or other expenses shall accrue to me if rejected in consequence of such misbehaviour.

Witness:…………………………} Signature:……………………………..

Dated………..........the…………..day of…………………….. A.D. 190 .
 

OATH OF ALLEGIANCE.

I, ________________ do sincerely promise and swear that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty King Edward VII, His Heirs and Successors, as lawful Sovereign of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland and of the Transvaal and Orange River Colony, dependent on and belonging to the said Kingdom, and that I will defend Him to the utmost of my power against all traitorous conspiracies or attempts whatever which shall be made against His Person, Crown and Dignity, and that I will do my utmost endeavour to disclose and make known to His Majesty, His Heirs and Successors all treasons and traitorous conspiracies and attempts which I shall know to be against Him or any of them, and all this I do swear without any equivocation, mental evasion or secret reservation. So help me God.

Sworn before me at this………… day of…………….A.D. 190 .

OATH OF OFFICE.

I, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully, diligently and impartially execute and perform the duties required of me as a member of the South African Constabulary and will well and truly obey and perform all lawful orders and instructions which I shall receive as such without fear, favour or affection of or towards any person or party whomsoever. So help me God.

Sworn before me at this………… day of………….A.D. 190 .

CONCENTRATION.

All men enlisted in Ottawa or at any point to the west thereof were concentrated at Ottawa. Men enlisted in or east of Montreal were concentrated at Halifax.

APPOINTMENTS TO COMMISSIONS.

The applications for Commissions in this force were submitted to His Excellency the Governor General, who personally selected the 30 successful applicants, at the request of the Imperial authorities. The names of the candidates selected were notified on March 18. They were as follows:—

To be Captains:

Capt. H. E. Burstall, R. C. A.

Major C. C. Bennett, 6th Rifles.

Capt. F. W. L. Moore, 4th Regt., C. A

Capt. W. T. Lawless, The G.G.F.G.

Capt. T. O. Critchley, 3rd Batt., R.C.R.

Capt. A. H. Powell, RL.D.G.

Inspector W. H. Scarth, N.W.M.P.

Edward Reading, Sergt-Major R.C.D.

Capt. H. R. Poussctte, 26th Rcgt

Lieut. G. S. Beer, Rocky Mountain Rangers

W. L. McGiverin, late Pte. 2nd Batt., R.C.R.

*Captain A. E. Swift, 8th Royal Rifles.

To be Lieutenants:

Lieut. J. C. Oland, 63rd Regt.

Lieut. A. B. Irvine, 90th "

C. P. Ermatinger, late Pte. C.M.R.

D. A. O'Meara, late Pte. 2nd Batt. R.C.R.

J. French, late Pte. C.M.R.

W. D. McCarthy, late Pte. 2nd Batt., R.C.R.

Veterinary Capt. W. J. Morgan, 5th Field Battery.

Capt. J. F. Foulkes, 5th Regt., C.A.

H A. C. Machin, late Sergt. 2nd Batt., R.C.R.

G. Hampson, 5th " Royal Scots."

R. B. Eaton, late Corp. C.M.R.

Cadet K. C. Folger, Cadet R.M.C.

R. R. Thompson, late Pte. 2nd Batt., R.C.R.

F. W. Burritt, late Pte. R.C.D.

Cadet C. R. E. Willetts, Cadet R.M.C.

F. T. St. George, D. of Y. R. C. Hussars.

J. R L Atwater, late Pte. 2nd Batt., R.C.R.

Lieut. G. R. Lightbound, 3rd Regt. Victoiia Rifles.

*Sergeant A. W. R. Wilby, Lord Strathcona's Horse, was selected for a Captaincy, but being unable to join in time to proceed with the Contingent, Captain A. E. Swift, 8th Royal Rifles, was appointed in his place.

 

DEPARTURE FOR SOUTH AFRICA.

On March 26 the force concentrated at Ottawa, consisting of Captain Fall, 21 officers and 903 other ranks, entrained for Halifax. The whole force embarked at Halifax on March 28, on the transport Montfort for Capetown, where it arrived on April 25. Lieutenant Colonel Steele did not arrive in Canada until March 8, and by the time Lord Strathcona's Horse had been paid off and disbanded, recruiting for the Constabulary was completed and the organization of the contingent well advanced. Lieutenant-Colonel Steele did not take over the command of the contingent, and it proceeded to South Africa under the command of Captain Fall, who was given the temporary rank of Major in the Militia.

GENERAL REMARKS.

The greatest care was taken in recruiting for this force. Candidates, in the first place, were required to make application in writing, using an authorized form. This form embodied a medical certificate. If the application showed that the man was not up to the standard, or medically unfit, or if it was not accompanied by testimonials from two responsible persons and complete in information in other respects, it was rejected. The candidates whose applications appeared to be satisfactory were notified to present themselves to the recruiting officer at the nearest station, and their applications were forwarded from Headquarters to the Recruiting Officers concerned.

There were forwarded, with the notification referred to in the preceding paragraph, a copy of Militia Order 32, containing orders governing the recruiting, also a copy of Field Marshal Lord Roberts' Proclamation for the organization of the Constabulary, dated October 22, 1900, and a copy of the conditions of service published by Major-General Baden Powell, dated October 20, 1900. When the candidates presented themselves at the recruiting station they were, if there appeared to be the slightest doubt as to their bring medically fit, required to undergo another medical examination, and were also tested in riding and shooting. If not at least fair riders and fair shots, or if they seemed unfit in any particular, they were not accepted. In addition to being subjected to these tests the enlistment was not complete until Captain Fall had passed upon the men after concentration. A force composed of men enlisted after such care had been taken in their selection might be expected to be a good one, and the following telegram from the High Commissioner for South Africa shows that the Canadian Contingent was such an one:-

London, May 9, 1901.

His Majesty's Government has received with much pleasure following message from High Commissioner for South Africa. Inspector General of South African Constabulary reports most favourably on Canadian recruits, average physique of men is splendid and they seem to be particularly well fitted for their duties. Regret that owing to my departure have not yet had time to see them myself.

Milner.
(Sgd.) Chamberlain

2-3 EDWARD VII. SESSIONAL PAPER No. 35a A. 1903, p.7-20.

(SECOND REPORT)

PART I.

Department of Militia and Defence,

Ottawa, November 2, 1902.

To the Honourable

Sir Frederick Borden, K.C.M.G.,

Minister of Militia and Defence.

Sir,—I have the honour to submit a further supplementary report on the contingents organized in Canada for service in the late war in South Africa. The supplementary report issued in 1900 dealt, up to the date of its publication, with the organization, equipment, despatch and service in the field of Canadian contingents, save that of the South African constabulary. Recruiting in Canada for the last named force had been completed and the contingent had embarked for South Africa before the report of 1900 was sent to the printer, but as the constabulary is a permanent force for the purpose of maintaining order and public security in the Orange River colony and the Transvaal, to act as mounted police in time of peace and as a military force in time of war, it was considered that there was no necessity to refer to it in that report. As, however, owing to the continuation of the war to a period much beyond v/hat was then expected, the constabulary has acted as a military force for more than a year, advantage will be taken of the publication of this report to place on record particulars respecting the enrolment of the 1,200 men in Canada, the casualties sustained during the continuance of the war, and such other information as may be available.

SOUTH AFRICAN CONSTABULARY.

On November 30, 1900, the General Officer Commanding the Militia reported the receipt of numerous applications from men desirous of joining the South African Constabulary and inquired whether the Imperial Government would accept recruits for that force and provide transportation to South Africa. A communication was accordingly addressed to the Military Secretary to His Excellency the Governor General, with a view to His Excellency being moved to ascertain what were the wishes of the Imperial Government. His Excellency forwarded a despatch on December 4, and on December 20, the Right Honourable the Secretary of State for the Colonies replied that Her Majesty’s Government learned with satisfaction that recruits were coming forward in Canada for the South African Constabulary, and would have much pleasure in accepting up to 1,000, if so many were available, and that in the event of that number being enrolled, 10 captaincies and 15 lieutenancies in the force would be given to Canadian officers on His Excellency’s recommendation.

There were actually enrolled 1,208 men, which entitled His Excellency to nominate 12 captains and 18 lieutenants.

[QSAMIKE]

Photo of tomb stone of Nelson Hill......  and Members of SAC from Montreal.......

Mike

 

 

 

[Farkas]

Hi Mike

another interesting read 

thanks....

tony

[peter monahan]

Some of the Canadians who went to SA were among the very few awarded the QSA with the original dates on it.  Such things are higly collectible, of course, and I believe Mike has one!

[QSAMIKE]

Good Morning Peter.......

I am sorry to say that there were no QSA;s issued to the South African Constabulary with the raised dates......   The ones I have are to Strathcona's Horse......

From my records Dated medals known to exist.......

1.  Strathcona's Horse:    59 Medals (plus 2 in-named) for a total of 61 

2.  Strathcona's Horse issued with dates but the dates were removed by jeweler at a later date:  48 Medals

3.  One medal each to:

Lt.Hon. F.H.S. Roberts, V.C., Natal, Relief of Ladysmith, Killed-in-Action, Colenso December 15th, 1899. This medal is stated to be Un-Named and is located at the National Army Museum.

Col. C.F. Mooses A.S.C., Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Kimberly, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901.

19467 QMS H. S. Smith, RE, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Johannesburg.

25837 Driver E.J. Budd, 66th Battery Royal Field Artillery, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Orange Free State. 

One badly damaged with suspension and name removed so unknown who it was issued to but most likely a Strathcona......

 

Mike

 

[peter monahan]

Mike

Careless of me to imply that the dated medals went to the Constabulary.  Not my intention!  'Back in the day' - when I had money for medals - a dated medals to the Lord Strath's was the Holy Grail of Canadian collecting, although one I once saw named to the 'Bushveld Carbiniers' was a strong contender for that title too.

[QSAMIKE]

Good Morning Peter........

Yes a Strath's dated medal is a holy grail but I have to say that the following is the center of my collection......

You may have seen this posted before as it has been posted on BMF but I thought that it would be a good one for this forum also....

Sergeants D. B. Hammong and D. J. McGregor

Please excuse the duplication of the Hammond information.....

Mike

HAMMOND, DAYTON BROWN

BOER WAR - PART ONE

REG. NO.: 129
RANK: DRIVER
REGT: "C" BATTERY, ROYAL CANADIAN FIELD ARTILLERY
BARS: CAPE COLONY, RHODESIA, TRANSVAAL

REMARKS / HISTORY:

1. VERIFIED IN BOOK, KNOWING NO FEAR BY JIM WALLACE
2. 12 PAGES OF SERVICE DOCUMENTS
3. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GRAVE OF D. B. HAMMOND

4. ENLISTMENT DOCUMENT

ENLISTED AT: TORONTO, ONTARIO
ON: 2ND FEBRUARY 1900
AGE: 22 YEARS
BIRTHPLACE: OWEN SOUND ONTARIO
FORMER CORPS: 31ST GREY'S BATTALION
TRADE OR CALLING: FARMER
RELIGION: CHURCH OF ENGLAND
NOK: FATHER, ROBERT HAMMOND, OWEN SOUND
ADDRESS NOK: OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO
MARRIED OR SINGLE: SINGLE
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES: NONE
HEIGHT: 5' 9 1/2"
MARKS ON PERSON: NONE
MEDICAL REPORT: FIT
DATE OF DISCHARGE: 30TH NOVEMBER 1900 TO JOIN HOWARD'S SCOUTS / CANADIAN SCOUTS

BOER WAR - PART TWO

REG. NO.: 129
RANK: SERGEANT
REGT: HOWARD'S / CANADIAN SCOUTS
BARS: ENTITLED TO ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA 1901
NOT WITH MEDAL

REMARKS / HISTORY:

ENLISTMENT DOCUMENT

RANK: SERGEANT
REGIMENTAL NUMBER: 129
ENLISTED AT: CAPETOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
ON: 1ST DECEMBER 1900
AGE: 23 YEARS
BIRTHPLACE: OWEN SOUND ONTARIO
FORMER CORPS: 31ST GREY'S BATTALION / "C" BATTERY ROYAL CANADIAN FIELD ARTILLERY
TRADE OR CALLING: FARMER
RELIGION: CHURCH OF ENGLAND
NOK: FATHER, ROBERT HAMMOND, OWEN SOUND
ADDRESS NOK: OWEN SOUND, ONTARIO
MARRIED OR SINGLE: SINGLE
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES: NONE
HEIGHT: 5' 9 1/2"
MARKS ON PERSON: NONE
MEDICAL REPORT: FIT
DATE OF DISCHARGE: KILLED IN ACTION, 27TH JANUARY 1901, EERSTE FABRIKER

LETTER TO FATHER, ROBERT HAMMOND FROM LIEUTENANT T. RYAN:
(Officer in Command of Patrol) (Italics Mine)

Standerton

February 17th, 1901

Dear Mr. Hammond

I arrived here from Ermelo Friday. We started for Belfast with four hundred sick and wounded and got within twenty miles and had to turn back. Had had to fight every mile to within five miles of here. The escort was very small and we had we had twenty-five hundred head of cattle and horses (unable to read) and hundred Boer families.

I suppose you have heard I was captured by the Boers and lost one Colt gun, two men killed, (Hammond and McGregor) and one very badly wounded on 27th January. It was not far from where Borden was killed, between Whitpoort and Diamond Hill. I was sent with the advance line of Scouts of Gen. Alderson's column with our Colt gun and five men, Gen. Knox on our right and Campbell on the left and it was twelve miles between them that we had to cover. Our Canadian Scouts, only seventy-five, had to keep in touch with both columns in order to do this, leaving a gap in the center of about one mile and a half where I was ordered to go which was the main road, another great mistake.

We got four miles in advance of the support, which was no fault of mine. After going about fifteen miles and I found no one in front of me I sent two men in advance. I could see Scouts on the left flank. On seeing a small kopje on my right front I sent another of my men to see if it was unoccupied, leaving only two men and myself with the gun. The two already out went to a farm house which was about four hundred yards to the right of the kopje and straight to my front as the roas (unable to read) close by. The one man went over the small kopje all right. When within a few hundred yards of the farm house I could see two men, as I thought the men I had sent ahead. One waved his hand. I told the Sergt. Major (McGregor) in charge of the gun to remain where he was until I went to see if everything was clear. So I put the spurs to my horse - when within one hundred yards of the house a Boer dressed in khaki with a felt hat like ours waved his hand and then walk [sic] around the corner of the house. I bolted down around the corner of the house and into the arms of seventy-five Boers with their rifles looking me in the face. Of course I dismounted. I found one of my men wounded and the others prisoners. The woulded man tried to escape and they shot him but it was back of the house and I was ahead (unable to read) hundred yards away I did not hear the shot. The same Boer thay decoyed me walked to the front and waved his hand again. The next thing I saw was the gun coming and they got within sixty yards when they saw that something was wrong and Sergt Major McGregor dismounted, unlimbered the gun but the Boers opened fire killing both the men with the gun. (Hammond and McGregor)

In about seven (unable to read) Prinsloo allowed he was in command of the Boers. I had a long talk with him (unable to read). He asked me lots of questions. Well he says, where are you going? I'm going with you I suppose. He laughed and said ok, I mean where were you going? Of course I did not know very much about things. After about three quarters of an hour he said I could send my man for an ambulance and that I could go with him as our column had halted. He was not (unable to read). Prinsloo had his staff with him, they were all dressed in khaki. Some had helmets, others had felt hats turned up at the side with a badge - the Transvaal coat of arms. When the gun was well away, he said where is your horse? I told him I did not know as they took him away. Some Boers went off with (unable to read). Well he said, as that man is badly wounded you had better remain with him as it may be some time before the ambulance arrives, and away he went. It was about three hours before the ambulance arrived.

When I reported to the Gen. He said that it was no place for the gun and I should have had an escort so I got clear of everything.

Letter ends here, looks like there was more but this is all that survived.


LETTER TO COLONEL OTTER FROM FATHER, ROBERT HAMMOND:

Owen Sound, April 14th, 1902

To Colonel Otter Stanley Barracks

Dear Sir,

Ever since the soldiers received their medals I have thought of writing to you. I do not see why the parents of deceased soldiers who fell in South Africa would not receive their medals their sons who would have received had they returned. Was not their lives given for their country? Were they not as brave as those who lived to return and receive the medals. I for one would like to receive the medal my son would have got had he lived to return. There is one part of it which I think the hardest to bear and that is he was killed by the British by a mistaken order, this we have learned from a comrade who was on the field at the time. His No. Was 129 and his name was Dayton Brown Hammond. Now I hope to hear from you soon about this as we think it right we should receive the medal. He was killed at a place called East Frabickew (sp - Eerste Fabriker) on the 27th January, 1901.

Yours truly

Robert Hammond
Spring Mount, Ontario

April 14th, 1902

To Colonel Otter

Dear Sir,

I opened this letter again just to mention that my son was in C Battery for a year and was then allowed to come home but reinlisted in Howard's Scouts and was with them from 1st Dec. until the 27th Jan. 1901 the day he was killed.

Robert Hammond
Spring Mount, Ontario

After receiving the letter, Colonel Otter started the paperwork to have the medal delivered to Hammond's father.....

The medal was presented to Mr. Robert Hammond personally by Colonel Otter in May of 1902.....

McGREGOR, DUNCAN JOHN

BOER WAR - PART ONE

REG. NO.: 134
RANK: GUNNER
REGT: "C" BATTERY, ROYAL CANADIAN FIELD ARTILLERY
BARS: CAPE COLONY, RHODESIA, TRANSVAAL

REMARKS / HISTORY:

1. VERIFIED IN BOOK, KNOWING NO FEAR BY JIM WALLACE
2. 7 PAGES OF SERVICE DOCUMENTS
3. PHOTOGRAPH OF THE GRAVE OF D. J. MCGREGOR
4. CITY OF TORONTO WELCOME HOME MEDAL, NAMED SERGEANT MAJOR D. MCGREGOR. (Most likely claimed by his father as he was KIA when the medals were given out)

5. ENLISTMENT DOCUMENT

ENLISTED AT: TORONTO, ONTARIO
ON: 2ND JANUARY 1900
AGE: 22 YEARS
BIRTHPLACE: TORONTO, ONTARIO
FORMER CORPS: 14TH FIELD BATTERY ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY
TRADE OR CALLING: MACHINEIST
RELIGION: PRESPERTERIAN
NOK: FATHER, RICHARD MCGREGOR
ADDRESS NOK: 99 GLADSTONE AVENUE, TORONTO, ONTARIO
MARRIED OR SINGLE: SINGLE
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES: NONE
HEIGHT: 5' 9 1/2"
MARKS ON PERSON: NONE
MEDICAL REPORT: FIT
DATE OF DISCHARGE: 30TH NOVEMBER 1900 TO JOIN HOWARD'S SCOUTS / CANADIAN SCOUTS

BOER WAR - PART TWO

REG. NO.: 129
RANK: SERGEANT
REGT: HOWARD'S / CANADIAN SCOUTS
BARS: ORANGE FREE STATE, SOUTH AFRICA 1901

REMARKS / HISTORY:

ENLISTED AT: CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
ON: 30TH NOVEMBER 1900
AGE: 22 YEARS
BIRTHPLACE: TORONTO, ONTARIO
FORMER CORPS: 14TH FIELD BATTERY ROYAL CANADIAN ARTILLERY AND "C" BATTER R.C.F.A.
TRADE OR CALLING: MACHINEIST
RELIGION: PRESPERTERIAN
NOK: FATHER, RICHARD MCGREGOR
ADDRESS NOK: 99 GLADSTONE AVENUE, TORONTO, ONTARIO
MARRIED OR SINGLE: SINGLE
NUMBER OF CHILDREN AND AGES: NONE
HEIGHT: 5' 9 1/2"
MARKS ON PERSON: NONE
MEDICAL REPORT: FIT
DATE OF DISCHARGE: KILLED IN ACTION, 27TH JANUARY 1901, EERSTE FABRIKER

LETTER TO E.F. JARVIS FROM FATHER, RICHARD MCGREGOR:

Toronto, Nov. 11th, 1901

To: Ernest Jarvis, Esq. Ottawa

Re: Medal of Late Sergeant Major D. J. McGregor, Canadian Scouts

Dear Sir,

I quite expected to have received my sons medal before this date. You will recollect that I signed for it at the Armouries here and you promised to forward it to my address by registered packet. Trusting you will give the matter early attention.

I am yours truly:

R. McGregor
99 Gladstone Avenue


LETTER TO R. MCGREGOR FROM E. F. JARVIS:

REGISTER

Ottawa, 12th Nov., 1901.

Dear Sir,

In reply to your letter of the 11th instant, I have the honour to forward herewith, registered, your late son's South African War medal, with clasps, which this day have been received.

I regret not having forwarded you the medal sooner, I must have in some way mislaid the note I made that I was to do so.

You will kindly acknowledge reciept.

Yours very truly,

E. F. Jervis


FROM:

THE COLONIALS IN SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902 by John Sterling. (Quoted for research purposes only, Page 316)

"As it appears from Lieutenant Moeller's Diary, the Canadian Scouts were constantly in the very front, and of course they had to pay the price; indeed on the following day, 27th January, he records that 2 scouts were killed. These were Sergeant Major D. J. M'Gregor and Sergeant D. B. Hammond. Sergeant W. S. Gordon was wounded. All three had served with 'C' Battery Canadian Artillery."

FROM:

KNOWING NO FEAR, The Canadian Scouts in South Africa 1900-1902 by Jim Wallace. (Quoted for research purposes only)

On January 27th, Alderson's column marched via Kleinfontein and Tweedracht to Kameelkraal. Two companies of the Mounted Infantry went to the left via Puntlift to Witfontein then back to Roodekoppies along the right bank of Bronkhorstspruit, driving about 60 Boers ahead of them. As they moved forward, the Scouts suffered their first fatal casualties at Vlakkraal, when SERGEANT MAJOR DUNCAN MCGREGOR and SERGEANY DAYTON HAMMOND were killed, Sergeant Walter Gordon was wounded and one of the Scouts' Colt guns was captured by the Boers. As Anderson's column moved forward, with Knox's column on their right and Campbell's on their left, the Canadian Scouts formed a screen well in advance of the main column. Seventy-five Scouts had to keep in touch with both flanking columns over a front of twelve miles. Lieutenant Ryan, with five men and a Colt ghun, was ordered to fill a gap of about a mile and a half in the centre where the main road ran.

After advancing some 15 miles, Ryan's men found no sign of the enemy. Two of his Scouts were in advance and Ryan could see them going to a farmhouse ahead of him. When he a small kopje on the right he sent a man to see if it was occupied and watched him as he went over the hill. When Ryan was within a few hundred yards of the farmhouse he saw two men who, he believed, were the two he sent forward. When one of the men waved to him, Ryan told SERGEANT MAJOR MCGREGOR, who was incharge of the gun, to stay where he was with SERGEANT HAMMOND while he, Ryan, checked to see if the way was clear. Ryan then put the spurs to his horse and when within a hundred yards of the house saw a figure in khaki, with a felt hat, wave his hand and go around the corner of the house. Ryan followed him "around the corner.... Into the arms of seventy-five Boers with their rifles looking me in the face." He found his men, other than MCGREGOR AND HAMMOND, had been taken prisoner and one of them, Sergeant Gordon, was shot and wounded when he attempted to escape.

The Boer who decoyed Ryan then walked to the front of the house and waved MCGREGOR forward with the Colt gun, When he was about sixty yards out, MCGREGOR sensed that something was wrong so dismounted and unlimbered the gun. The Boers immediately opened fire, killing both MCGREGOR AND HAMMOND. Ryan said the Boer commander Prinsloo, and his staff were dressed in khaki, some with helmets and others wearing felt hats turned up at the side with a badge of the Transvaal coat of arms. When Ryan was captured, he talked to Prinsloo for three quarters of an hour and was then allowed to send for an ambulance. Prinsloo told Ryan to stay with his badly wounded man until the ambulance came then he and his Burgers left, retireing to the silver mines and Kromdraai. The ambulance arrived about three hours later.

When Ryan reported to Anderson, the general was of the opinion that it had been no place to send a gun and Ryan should have been provided with an escort so he was cleared. Major Howard was, understandably, highly upset at the loss of the Colt gun and he quickly set off with a few Scouts to track it down. The party returned early the next morning after an unsuccessful search and Howard to his men that any individual or group who recaptured the gun would be given $500.00.

Within a few weeks a portrait of Sergeant McGregor was unveiled at the Gladstone Avenue School in Toronto where he had been a pupil.

There is some mystery surrounding the reports on the death of SERGEANT HAMMOND. In his documents there is a letter from his father (see above) to Lieutenat Colonel William D. Otter, which states "There is one part of it which I think the hardest to bear and that is he was killed by the British by a mistaken order, this we have learned from a comrade who was on the field at the time." Presumably the "mistaken order" was sending Ryan forward without an escort for the Colt gun, but this is not explicit in the letter and it is clear from Ryan's account that the casualties were directly from Boer fire.

End Quote.....


PICTURES...................

1. Queen's South Africa Medal to Hammon

2. Photo of Grave Site

3. Queen's South Africa Medal and Toronto Welcome Home Medal to McGregor

4. Book of Rememberance in Peace Tower with entry for Hammond

5. Book of Rememberance in Peace Tower with entry for McGregor


 

 

 

 

 

 

[peter monahan]

Great story and research!  The extra privately made [I assume] medallion is lovely too, Mike.  Thank you for sharing that!  I'm in Alliston, north of Torortnto, so Owen Sound is just ' a piece up the road' from me.  Perhaps I'll go see hammond's stone some day.

[QSAMIKE]

Good Morning Peter.......

The Toronto Welcome Home medal was made by Ellis in Toronto at the behest of the City Council......  There are 3 different variations, the reverse  dated 1900, 1901, 1902.......    The majority issued to the returning troops were of the 1900 version......  They were named to each soldier with his Rank, Name and Regiment.....  You see versions with no names and these were sold as souvenir's to he general public......   You also see bronze medallions only that were also sold to the general public......

McGregor of course did not make it home so actually he should not have one but his father was very closely connected to the city council and he must have put some pressure on them to get one......

The headstone is in South Africa......   They were buried at the battle site and when being moved to a proper cemetery later they could not tell the bodies apart so they buried them together......  No such thing as dog tags then......

Mike

 

 

[peter monahan]

  I did wonder, but know that many men buried overseas also had 'local' stones - I have photos of a half dozen named to Alliston men who died in WWI.

The patriotic medal is classic high Victorian too!  And a fine design, which wasn't always true of such things.  Thansk for sharing the information.