TOPIC:

I have acquired a Queens South Africa Medal with a single Natal clasp to Dvr. P. Smith of the Natal Volunteer Transport Service.

All I have to go on is the medal roll which confirms the existence of this unit and the issue of the medal and clasp to Smith. Many of the entries have an "X" next to their entries dnoting that the medals were returned. Smith, luckily, kept his.

Does anyone have a medal to this rather obscure unit or know where additional information on their personnel, doings etc. can be sourced?

Smith is unfortunately not the easiest of surnames to research.....

Regards

Rory

Rory

Only found a small write up in the Spink Anglo Boer War Anniversary sale.

The Natal Volunteer Transport Service was formed in Pietermaritzburg in 1899 and had an original strength of two Officers, one Warrant Officer, and seven Non-Commissioned Officers, all mounted. Native drivers, two per wagon, were employed. It was organised as a Mounted Brigade Train with mule draft for the first line and oxen for the second line. During the Natal campaign the unit took over the supply services of the Natal Royal Rifles. 30 medals were issued of which 4 bore the clasp 'Relief of Ladysmith'

The Natal Volunteer T.S. should not be confused with medals named to 'Natal Transport', a very similar unit. This unit was formed to ameliorate the deficencies in Buller's transport system. 62 medals were issued named to the Natal Transport.

Regards

Jon