TOPIC:

I was wondering if someone could help me out on a bit of a conundrum I’ve had for some years now. I have two medals to two quite different men, with the same surname, SHEPHERD; both medals were purchased from the same individual, at the same time and judging by the matching condition and dark toning, have always been together. They were originally purchased by Jack Webb (Abu Klea fame) outside Johnston Mathey, London (precious metal dealers) from a man queuing to scrap them for cash during the Bunker-Hunt ‘silver rush’. Jack was offering a pound for any silver medal!!
Anyway, his name is CAPTAIN CHARLES SAMUEL SHEPHERD South African Light Horse; Queen’s South Africa Medal 1898-1902 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Laings Nek, Belfast.
Died 22nd July 1901 (Enteric Fever) – Springfontein. Aged 43.
I have a full summary of the doings of the SALH but the only mention I have of Shepherd is in General Dundonald’s book ‘ My Army Life’ page 129
“On the 20th Lord Dundonald ordered Colonel Byng to seize Bastion Hill. Two squadrons of the SALH were dismounted and ascended the steep ascent, the two others supporting. Captain Shepherd’s Squadron were the first to crest the ridge
‘The crest of the hill was first reached by Captain Shepherd's squadron of the S.A.L.H. (with whom was Sir Bryan Leighton) which ... The general result of Sir Charles Warren's operations of K this day was inconclusive ; the infantry, however, were ...)
So I was wondering if any forum member could shed some light on the man’s career.

Drakewood

PS…The other Shepherd (cousin, nephew?) is.
LIEUTENANT RICHARD EDMUND SHEPHERD, Mid. 3rd Battalion King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, Mounted Infantry Company - Queen’s South Africa Medal 1898-1902 clasps, Diamond Hill, Johannesburg, Driefontein, Paardeberg, Relief of Kimberly.(Also entitled to clasp ‘South Africa 1901’) –Mid. 2nd April 1901.
Killed in action 31st October 1901 - Brakenlaagte (Aged 26) (The Boer destruction of Lt. Col. Benson’s Column - 20 miles North-West of Bethel)
Richard Shepherd was born in May 1875, the son of Colonel Charles Herbert Shepherd D.S.O. (late Norfolk Regt.) lately commanding 9th Regimental District, Norwich and was educated at Wellington College, where he played for the Cricket X1 1892-1894
His first commission was as 2nd Lieutenant, 4th Battalion, Essex Regiment (West Essex Militia) in April 1894, where he was promoted Lieutenant 1895 and in May 1897, advanced to the rank of Captain.
In June 1898 he decided to seek his fortune in Rhodesia where he joined the British South Africa Police (Rhodesian Police). He didn’t find South Africa to his liking and with the prospect of a regular commission in the British Army, returned to England to take up that commission on the 30th August 1899, as 2nd Lieutenant, 2nd Battalion, King’s Own Yorkshire Light Infantry.
Quote……. “Yet if valour alone be reinforcement the defence grew stronger as it died. A few men of the King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, who had escorted the Vickers-Maxim into safety, were led back at full speed into the fight by Lieutenant R. E. Shepherd, who perished at their head”.

Hi Drakewood,

Here are a few photos for you.

Note the initials on CPT Shepherd's headstone only S and not C.S. This headstone is a modern replacement and is in the Springfontein Cemetery in the Free State.



Regards
Adrian

Hi Adrian
You're a diamond - great photos - on a 'one a week' basis, you and I could go on like this for a year or so.
I must say, I've never encountered the S.A Authorities modern replacement headstone and I can't say I'm that impressed. Seems very dilatory not to get the deceased subject's name correct or to state his date of death - it's not as though it's not very well known.
T'would seem my postings are not getting a riotous response, other than your good self who I thank.
I'll try another topic on another very young Englishman who gave his life for King and Country and see if that receives a bit of interest. He's buried in Rhodesia so I don't know if that's outside your range. His name is
TROOPER CHRISTOPHER JOHN PACKE - ‘C’ Troop, Rhodesia Volunteer Horse, Bulawayo Field Force
killed in action, 10th April 1896 Gwanda Patrol (Brand’s Fight) Matopos Hills, Matabeleland and lies buried in a small cemetery at Umlugulu Fort.
Still unaware as to how I can post a photo on the Forum. I should have thought it would be good to tie in a portrait whth your headstone photos.

Regards

Les Nicoll.

Hello Les,

Thank you.

Sadly I don't have a picture of Packe's grave, however it would seem that most if not all the graves cannot be identified today. Packe was apparently buried in the same grave as Greer ??

There is a small picture on the web of the original graves at Umlugulu Fort which will give you an overview of the cemetery .

Regards
Adrian

Hi Adrian
No problem, I've had that little photo of the cemetery for some years but was hoping you might have one of your excellent close-ups.
This is how I describe his grave in my file.

'The mutilated bodies of the five troopers left on the plain were later recovered and young Christopher, who had so recently arrived in the country with such high expectations, was buried with another of his fallen comrades, Corporal Stewart G. Greer, in a small cemetery shaded by two large Acacia trees at Umlugulu Fort. The spot is well chosen, being most prettily situated on some rising ground near the roadside. Shaded by trees, with the blue outline of the Motopos hills in the distance. The graves are enclosed by a stout fence and marked with wooden crosses making an ideal last resting place for a brave young man'

Regards

Les..