Seeking help on the Griqua/Griqualand Light Horse (GLH)
The above formed in early 1901 in East Griqualand, specifically in the Mount Currie, Kokstad, and Matatiele districts, as well as the Harding district of Natal. The primary reason for its formation was to protect the borders of East Griqualand from Boer parties launching raids from the adjacent Barkly East districts of the Cape Colony.
The regiment's headquarters were located at Roof Koppies in East Griqualand, and it operated on a full-time basis throughout its existence. With a strength of 300 members, organized into three squadrons, each consisting of two troops, the regiment relied on its members to provide their own horses.
However, the government supplied and replaced any damaged equipment.
In terms of compensation, members received three shillings per day, including a horse allowance, as well as rations for both themselves and their horses. Notably, no capitation or additional grants were provided to the regiment.
The regiment's leadership consisted of Major T.C. Birbeck as its first commanding officer, followed by Major McMillan upon Birbeck's resignation. Other notable officers included Captain Blain, Captain Impey, and Lieutenants A. Birbeck, Goss, Cowie, Matthew Kennedy, T. Henry Reed, Kelly, and D.E. de Souza.
Interestingly, all non-commissioned officers were Griquas, with Regimental-Sergeant Major Thomas Kok, from the family after which Kokstad was named, serving as the Warrant Officer. He was later succeeded by his brother, Gert Kok.
The regiment's uniform consisted of a khaki jacket, cord breeches, black puttees, and boots, along with a smasher hat bearing the regiment's badge, "G.L.H." They were armed with Martini Metford rifles, while officers carried .450 Webley revolvers and some sporting rifles.
During its operational period, the Griqua Light Horse engaged in several minor actions and skirmishes, primarily in the Maclear district, resulting in wounded casualties. Although no individual decorations were awarded, the regiment was disbanded in July 1902, following the end of the Anglo-Boer War, after a commendable period of field service spanning over a year ¹.
I am currently researching the units Officer Commanding, Captain F. Douglas McMillan.
There is only a singular QSA medal roll for this unit that I can find showing the 7 ‘White’ Officers, as the OR were comprised of Native Griqua’s who, as per the roll, were not named and thus not entitled.
There is next to nothing that I can’t find on the GLH, scouring through newspapers on Acton’s in the Maclear district, where they were allegedly operating, does not reference them in any way.
Research I have done on McMillan has come up with a likely match of Francis Douglas McMillan, born 1854 in West Yorkshire to Archibald and Anne, who married Annie Octavia Harsant (Born May 1868 in Port Elizabeth).
Francis is shown as having died in 1922 in the Cape Province, and his son Kingsley Douglas McMillan has named him in a University of London record as ‘F. Douglas McMillan’ of Johannesburg.
Does anyone have anything further they could assist with? I think I’ve definitely hit the brick wall.
