TOPIC:

Rory wrote: Lovely medals Simon - I'm still working on my contribution to this thread - I don't want to sound "windgat" (South African fellas will know what that is...) but there have been quite a few good ones in 2023 - thanks, partially, to yourself who has parted with some gems of which I am the grateful beneficiary. Others have come from auction houses or from personal contacts who have approached me.

I'm compiling a short list - will report back soonest.

I'm back and, with a few speculative bids in on an auction ending tonight, I can't conclusively say I'm "done" for the year...yet.

That said, after looking through my purchases which have averaged at least one medal/group per week, there is nothing of a significance which warrants its inclusion in this post. On the whole, just a very good representative sampling of what's out there; added to a few purchases which I have no idea why I was interested in them in the first place.

All the best and a Merry Christmas to one and all.

Rory

All the best

Rory

Here is my second top purchase of 2023 and falls under the category of possibly unique and I am sure very rare, Q.S.A. and W.W.2 Defence to a civilian woman......

Beatrice Carkeet Dalzell Wells

She was born on 23 July 1880. She was christened Beatrice Carkeet Dalzell Wells on 6 February 1881 in Mortlake, Surrey. Carkeet was her mother's maiden name.

She died 21 September 1949.


SCHOOL SECRETARY DIES

Death occurred suddenly of Miss Beatrice Dalzell Wells age, 70, at her flat at Marsham Court, Westminster.

Death was due to natural causes.

Miss Wells had not long returned from a visit to South Africa. She was secretary of the Day Continuation School, Golden Lane, E.C.

WELLS, BEATRICE CARKEET DALZELL

Beatrice Dalzell otherwise Beatrice Carkeet Dalzell of 110 Marsham Court, Marsham-street, London, S.W.1, spinster, died, 21 September 1949, probate London, 11 January.

Margory Beatrice Gordon Macfarlane and Oonah Constance Price spinsters. Effects L251 4s. 2d. Resworn L2394 17s 4d.

The family is on the 1891 Census living at Beaufort Villa, Cambridge Road, Barnes when Beatrice was 10. Father's occupation - "Retired Admiralty Civil Service" and he was born in Bermuda. Eldest child, Alfred aged 15, was born in Plymouth. There was a third sister, 3 years older than Beatrice, but only initials are given "C. C. D." which sounds like "C? Carkeet Dalzell" but Beatrice is entered as plain "Beatrice Wells". The youngest of the 5 children is a 4 year old boy, "Grant C" thus probably named after his father & mother. All the children except Alfred were born in Barnes. Finally a 32 year old niece born is St Austell, Cornwall.

Beatrice is on the 1921 Census and it gives her occupation as Secretary to the Directors at "T C C Scientist" of 7/8 Curzon Street, Mayfair.

In 1921 she was living at 35 Church Road, Barnes - she completed the form as head of the household. Living with her are her widowed mother who was born in Fowey, Cornwall - hence the rather strange surname of Carkeet. Also on the return are her married sister Olive, her niece (Olive's 4 year old daughter) and a 17 year old domestic servant. Both Beatrice & Olive were born in Barnes, Olive was just over 2 years younger than Beatrice.


DOCUMENT NUMBER: ONE

47 Portland Place W
5th April 1903

Dear Sir:

Thank You very much for so kindly sending
me a copy of your daughters letters. It is most
interesting and shows how well Miss Wells
deserves the War Medal.

Believe Me

Yours Very Truly

Roberts FM

DOCUMENT NUMBER: TWO

In envelope with “Journey's in South Africa and Out” (on Front of envelope)
and on Reverse (Journal inside envelope below).....

Humewood (Beach) Hotel
Port Elizabeth
South Africa
R. J. LAMBSON
Caterer by Special Appointment
(Crest of Governor)
TO HIS EXCELENCY
SIR ALFRED MILLER
G.C.B., G.C.M.G
March 1899:

Francis and I went to Johannesburg. Stopped with Sally at Roodepoort for 1 week.

April 1899

Returned to Shebra.

August 7th, 1899

Left Sheba for Johannesburg en route for Brandi Wei

September 1899

Left Johannesburg, travelled via Victoria West and Canarvon arrived Brandiwei. Sept. 20, Stayed 2 weeks with Kittie, Kelmar and Bernstein.

Christmas 1899

Spent four weeks with the Hanau's in Canarvon

Jan. 21st

Boers arrived Nelskof
Buried silver, hid guns, Pad sent horses

Jan. 22nd

Saw Boer scouts. Then 64 entered. Dorf cut down flag, demanded ammunition & guns. Later they searched under farm for guns but were unsuccessful. Commandeered food and clothes from stores. Erasmus nearly caught Francis & self when removing guns. Several burgers our wearing badges (?)

Jan 23rd

Boers left at sunset taking Porsteim with them. Went in direction Goderst Dormstadt but made turn and went to T.B. Rolk.

Jan. 25th

Brewster C.P. Came in from Doornsmith news of death of Queen

Jan. 26th

18 Boers under F. C. Vennack council with Dorf made Dadder furious. G. followed Brewster but unsucessfly. Flag torn down again, pole smashed and cord cut. MacWheeling and Border Scout both concealed in Erda's store, one under counter and one under skins. Boers searched for them but in vain, Guns hidden in Erda;s store found by Boers and smashed. William Christian beaten by Boers for being a re (rest of word unknown paper torn).

I rode to Dorns on Bike and Brewster sent despatch at once and returned.

Jan 27th

McDeeling (possible MacWheeling above) came down and reported 50 Boers at Brandilei Dam, Meyer returned half way with me. Saw troop of Boers at sunset and returned I rode on alone. Did not meet them arrived, at Brand. At 10.00 p.m.

Jan. 31st

Scouts arrived from Kenhardt, stayed 1 – 6 am then left for Dorns.

Scouts and Sacks left at 6 am at 7 am Boers rode in and searched for him but could not find him but did not follow the road. Went out Bushmanland road no boy able to take news to Doorms so I started out on bike at 9.30 am arrived at Doorms at 12 midnight was warmed and warned Barewster. Took some medicine for Schakling.

MISSING SECTION

November 1900

Left for Kenhardt to stay with Sacho.

Went with Fischean ( W. B. Hunter died April 1901 ) in wagon to Lefingstore. G. (Green) River.

December 17th:

Baby Woodfull and Practor arrived Brandilei to spend Xmas

Jan. 1st 1901:

Baby and Practor left for Prieska. Rumors of Boers

Jan. 21st 1901:

Theummissens Commando came into Brand Vlei

Jan. 26th 1901:

Dudder taken prisoner, rode to Gudesste Noorus

Jan. 31st:

Blent again to Woorus

Feb. 1st

Bewsller and MacWeeling shot

Feb. 22nd

Post cart arrived in Brand Vlei and too Francis and me to Calvinia

April 7th

Tried to return to Brandi Wei but had to turn back

April 14th

Left for Cape Town

April 16th

Arrived at Clan William had dance & concert


April 18th

Arrived at Picquetberg Rd. where we entrained for Cape Town. Stayed at Pardebosh until July 4th 1901

July 4th

Embarked on R.M.S. Norsman for Port Elizabeth

July 6th

Came to Beach Hotel, Hurmenwood

Nov. 26th

Sailed on S.S. Johannesburg for England

April 1902

Went to Paris and Lemoges

July 23rd 1902

Sailed on Assaye for Cape Town & P.E. (Port Elizabeth)

August 1902

Stayed at Mon Park, Port Elizabeth


DOCUMENT NUMBER: THREE

Envelope: SOUTH AFRICAN WAR MEDAL, B.W. ( written in ink )

DOCUMENT NUMBER: FOUR

Envelope: ON ACTIVE SERVICE

Miss Beatrice Walls
Church of Christian Services
Curzon Street
London, W.

Military Postal Stamp on front.

DOCUMENT NUMBER: FIVE

O.H.M.S.
CALVINIA DISTRICT
PERMIT TO BEAR ARMS

No: ….. 1 ….. Date: …..….. 12th April …........ 1901
Full Name: …................. Mrs Cooper ……..................................
Address: ….....................................................................................

IS PERMITTED TO HAVE IN HIS POSSESSION
ARMS AS UNDER

No of Barrells...................... / ….......1 …..... / …................
Bore...............................…../.…....................../..........…........
No. of Weapons................../..Sporting Rifle..../......................
Maker................................../..Shotgun............./......................
Nature of Weapon............../............................./.....................

Signature of permit Holder Signature of Commanding Officer

Charles Kirkwood

Capt.
Commanding

DOCUMENT NUMBER: SIX

O.H.M.S.

NO: …....... 117 …........
Date:............. 8th March 1901 …............

Permit:........... Miss Wells …..................................................................................
…............................................. of ….. Calvinia ….................................................
to be out …............................................... at any hour of the night …...................
to burn a light in …........................... her ….................................................room
of ….................... house.
Until further notice.

Unable to read Signature
…...................................................
Commandant

DOCUMENT NUMBER: SEVEN

O.H.M.S.
Permit No: …........... 10 …........
Date: ….......... 7th April 1901 …..........
Place: ….......... Calvinia …..........
Pass: ….......... Miss Wells ….........
From: ….......... Calvinia …...........
To: ….......... Brand Vlei ….......
Between dates: ….....................….......... and ….....................…......

Signature of} Beatrice Wells Pass Owner}

Signature and}
Designation } …..Charles Kirkwood...............................
of Issuer} Capt.
Commanding

DOCUMENT NUMBER: EIGHT

O.H.M.S.
Permit No: …........... 14 …........
Date: ….......... 12th April 1901 …..........
Place: ….......... Calvinia …..........
Pass: ….......... Miss Cooper & Miss Wells ….........
From: ….......... Calvinia …...........
To: ….......... Piquetbero Roads ….......
Between dates: ….......... 12th April ….......... and …..........20th April 1901 …......

Signature of} Beatrice Wells Frances Cooper Pass Owner}

Signature and}
Designation } …..Charles Kirkwood...............................
of Issuer} Capt.
Commanding

DOCUMENT NUMBER: NINE

CAPE COLONY
No: …........... 74284 …........

ORIGINAL
(To Be Retained by Passengers)

Mrs .......... Cooper …....... Miss Wells …........
of …....... Calvinia …..... has authority to …
proceed from........... Piquetbero Rd. …...........
to …........ Capetown …........ on ….. 19.4.01 ..
and return......... Crossed out ...............

Office Stamp
Piquetbero Road

Unable to read Signature
….....................................................
Signed By Commandant

DOCUMENT NUMBER: TEN

A Note:

Dear Bunnie.

Here is something for your scrap book. In a few days we make track for the coast and embark for CTown. Do you know I have worn the knitted waist coat all through the cold weather up here...... See you soon perhaps.....

Yur Frnd

Beeler

DOCUMENT NUMBER: ELEVEN

Permission is hereby granted to Miss Wells to have candles or gaslight lights all night the Commercial Hotel during the period of her stay in Calvinia.

Calvinia
23/2/01
Sydney C. Fichat
Capt. K F S
Commandant

DOCUMENT NUMBER: TWELVE

Brand Vlei
Calvinia, C. Colony
Feb. 3rd, 1901

My Darling Mother

Such a great deal has been happening lately & we have had such exciting times. I don't know when I shall be able to send this letter as we are cutt off from everywhere now. Kenhard, Carnarvon and Calvinia post roads are all closed.
LETTER WAS CUT SHORT AND PAPER WAS
USED FOR DIARY AS SHOWN
IN DOCUMENT No. TWO

These are some of many Newspaper Clippings that mention Beatrice.....

A number of inmates of the Royal Infirmary were entertained last evening at the Institution by an excellent concert arranged by Mr, Walter Groocock, F.R.C.O., L.R.A.M. A feature of the evening was the rentering of “Tanhauser”. The band which was conducted by Mr. Groocock, played creditably, and solos were given my Miss Beatrice Wells, Miss Hilda Hartopp, Miss Alice Hikinbottom, Mr, Fred Draper, Mr. Phillip Wigginton and Mr. J. McRobie.

The Savoy Quartet were in attendance and their rendering of “Where are you going to my pretty maid?” was much appreciated. Miss Beatrice Wells sang splendidly, and Mr. Philip Wigginton was up to his usual standard of excellence. Messrs Cubley and R.S. Hibbert sang well together, and the humor of the evening was provided by Messers Jordan and Barratt.


There was a very appreciative audience at the De Montfort Hall on Saturday night, when a most enjoyable concert was given by Mr. Alfred Hollins, F.R.C.O., organist of the United Free St. George's Church, Edinburgh, the Melbourne-road Council School Choir, under the conductorship of Mr. C. J. W. Lane, and Miss. Beatrice Wells, while Miss Ida Maxfield was at the piano. The program was of a varied nature, and every item was so much enjoyed it is difficult to pick out one for special praise, but the choir's rendering of “Land Of Hope And Glory” was very popular. The program was as follows: Theme with variations and fugue (Hollins), Mr. Hollins: part song, “Night of Stars and Love,” (Offenbach), The Melbourne-road Council School Choir: Larghetto from Clarinet quintet (Mozart), Mr. Hollins: song “England Thy Name,” (L. Barnes), Miss Beatrice Wells: Scherzo (Hoyte), Mr. Hollins, Aria, “Angels ever bright and fair” (Handel), The Melbourne-road Council School Choir: Pastorale (Whiting), and “Toccata from Symphony No. 5, (Widor), Mr. Hollins; song, Somewhere a voice is calling,” Miss Beatrice Wells; Improvisation, Mr. Hollins: Patriotic Song, “Land of Hope and Glory'” The Melbourne-road Council School Choir: (a) a spring song, (b) Triumphal march (Hollins), Mr. Hollins; “God Save the King.”

The recitalist at the De Montfort Hall, on Sunday evening was the famous blind organist, Mr. Alfred Hollins, L.R.C.O., who's playing was much enjoyed. The vocalist was Miss Holloway.


[/b]

At the Groby-road Sanatorium, on Saturday evening, an enjoyable concert was arranged by Miss Beatrice Wells and Mr. Reg. Bocking, which was greatly appreciated by the men, nurses and staff, Miss Davis (matron) was present. Mr. W. H. Brain occupied the chair. The programme was as follows:- Pianforte solo, Miss Bertha Harris; quartette, “The Battle Eve,” encore Miss Beatrice Wells, Miss K. Raynes, Mr. Reg. Bocking, and Mr. Geo. Grooncock; song, “Land of Jope and Glory,” encore “Robin Adair,” Miss Beatrice Wells; duet, “Baracolle,” Miss Beatrice Wells and Miss Kittie Rayns; song, “Sincerity,” encore “The Rosary,” Mr. Reg. Bocking; song, Somewhere a Voice is Calling,” encore “My Little Lady,” Miss Kittie Rayns; quartette, “Annie Laurie”; duet “My Motor Car,” encore, Watchman, What of the Night.” Mr. Reg. Bocking and Mr. Geo. Groocock; song, “When You Come Home” encore “Little Grey Home in the West,” Miss Beatrice Wells; monologue, “The Student,” encore “How I Drove the Special.” Mr. Geo. Groocock; song, “Bird of Love Divine,” Miss Kittie Rayns; song, “I'll Sing Thee Songs of Araby,” encore “Love's Devotion,” Mr. Reg. Bocking; song, “Up From Somerset,” encore “Parted,” Mr. Geo. Grooncock; quartette, “The Minstrel Boy.” Accompanist Miss Bertha Harris. Choruses of popular songs were, at the close, heartily sung by the men. Pte. C. J. Simpson, of Princess Patricia's Canadian Light Infantry, on behalf of his comrades, suitably thanked the artistes.


The 34th of the series of concerts arranged under the direction of Mr. H. H. Nicklin, was given on Tuesday night at the North Evington Military Hospital. The following artistes gave their services: Miss Beatrice Wells (soprano), Miss Kitty Raynes (contralto), Miss E. Holt (mezzo soprano), Miss K. Larrard (soprano), Mr. Reg. Bocking (tenor), Mr. T. Nicklin (baritone), Mr. T. Carlisle (auto-harp) soloist), Mr. W. Berry was at the piano. The concert was held in Ward 11, and met with the usual appreciation.