TOPIC:

From my Talana research its appears there are only three such combinations:

Gutridge, Ronald Stanley, Dundee Rifle Association. QSA (3) RoM Tal RoL
Smith, 3292 Sergeant A, 18th Hussars. QSA (5) RoM Tal DoL OFS Tr, KSA (2)
Tetley, Charles Hudson, Dundee Town Guard. QSA (5) RoM Tal DoL Tr SA01

Here is the group to Sgt A Smith, 18th Hussars:

How did Ronald Gutridge of the Dundee Rifle Association and Charles Tetley of the Dundee Town Guard get accross the country to the relief Mafeking? Ronald also got RoL and Charles DoL. So Charles would have been at Ladysmith on 28 February and the RoM was on 17 May. So certainly doable in 2 1/2 months but what would lead only two members of very local Dundee units being required to move to the other theatre of the war. And how? Did they go back to Durban, sail to EL or CT and travel up by rail? Or go cross country somehow?

Sounds an interesting story?

Jon

I guess that they both joined the Imperial Light Horse after the Siege of Ladysmith was lifted. The ILH recruited many man to fill the gaps left in their ranks by the battles leading to the Relief (Elandslaagte, Colenso, Wagon Hill).

Regards
Brett

Thanks Brett,

Presumably they could not just have cantered accross to Mafeking from Ladysmith but would have go back to Dutrban, sail to EL or CT and train up?

Regards
Jon

Yes indeed, Jon. By rail to Durban, sea to Cape Town, and rail to Kimberley, after which the Mafeking Relief Column was assembled.

Regards
Brett

It was with regret that I sold the group to Sgt A Smith two years ago. When I received it, the LS&GC disc was detached from the suspender so I have some remedial work carried out to repair the group, tighten the suspenders etc. Evidently well polished over the years, the detail has disappeared in some places.

While the RoM clasp is a copy, I plan to bid for the group next week and see if I can win it back.

David