TOPIC:

Hi I recently came into ownership of this medal / pin . I can’t find anything directly relating to the NNV or the inscribed name “ E J Stafford “. Has anyone here come across similar medals or knows of the unit?

Welcome to the forum, Pamar.

Some background about the NNV : formed in Durban in 1885; served in the Anglo-Boer War; embodied in the South African Division of the Royal Navy Volunteer Reserve in 1913; transferred to the SA Defence Force (Citizen Force) after World War II; renamed SAS Inkonkoni in 1954; disbanded in 2004.

The design on the obverse of the badge, showing the two wildebeest galloping across a plain, was the official emblem of Natal, and was later formalised as a coat of arms for the colony.

Pamar
L/Col Neil Smith published a booklet about the NNV Boer War, 1899-1902. He shows "1st P.O. Stafford, E." as serving 29/9/99 to the end of the campaign. There is a reference that 1st PO Stafford was "specially mentioned" by Capt. Jones RN, 8/3/00. However, I cannot locate such a "mention". References to the activities and men of the NNV have featured several times on this site.
Regards
IL.