TOPIC:

Hi
It’s not often that one finds a DoM QSA in this sorry condition.
Lieut Ernest Nowell Grayson, Protectorate Regiment, and Mafeking Town Guard. He was a clerk to the magistrate in Mafeking, in 1904 assistant Resident Magistrate of Mafeking. Retired to farm at Grootfontein in South West Africa where he died in 1934.

Pianist during the siege, also inspected food supplies to native inhabitants during the siege where he witnessed the consumption of dog meat.

Educated at Sedbergh school, then Oxford. Cross country runner.





Shooting dogs in Mafeking

Kind regards
Adrian

Adrian
According to Colin Walker's Mafeking Siege Register, your man was appointed Galloper (with forage allowance and free rations) to Lt. Col. Hore. Was "cautioned" by BP for unauthorised military action (ridden to observe a cannon duel), he took over Girdwood's food distribution roll, helping Captain Ryan with Hodgson. Apparently, there are many references to your man in various diaries of the siege and the Siege Slips; including BP's Staff diary. Colin Walker notes he was "ex Cambridge uni".
I found your post to be of interest as your man worked alongside one A/Sgt. Major N.B.Hodgson - promoted to that rank by BP and "active and zealous" in ASC duties. And MiD'd for it. A/SM Hodgson's medals are in my current custody.
Grayson's QSA tells an interesting story of a quite interesting soldier.
Regards
IL.

Peter,

Here is his entry from the draft Mafeking book:

Born Rock Ferry, Cheshire, England in 1873, son of George Enoch Grayson (1835-1912). Resided at The Laurels, Birkenhead c 1881. Educated at Sedbergh School and at Balliol College, Oxford, 1892. Trade: Clerk. 'Grayson rode on with Ashton for three miles but found no trace of the Boers.' (Algie, 13 October). 'The Dutch ere evidently camped exactly where Grayson and I were riding yesterday afternoon.' (Algie, 14 October). He was recorded in Ross’s diary as being arrested on 23 October 1899 for ‘Disobeying orders, in as much as they rode beyond the outposts to watch our guns firing’. Also served MTG during the siege. Lieutenant, HQ Staff, PRFF. 'Mr Ernest Noel [sic] Grayson is attached to Colonel Hore’s staff as a Galloper from 31st October, and is entitled to forage for 1 horse and free rations' (MM003, 3 November). 'Deceased Persons. Administration of Estate - In the cases of decease of persons the death is to be reported at once to Mr Grayson, at the Resident Magistrate’s Office, who will issue instructions as to the disposal of the estate, effects etc of the deceased.' (MM066, 6 February). A guest at the Bachelor Officers’ Dance (MM071, 15 February). Accompanist at the Sunday concert in the Masonic Hall (MM078, 23 February). 'Acting Officer in charge of Supplies, having been permitted to resign his appointment, is struck off the strength from the 26th inst.' (MM104, 30 March). Attended the Easter Vestry Meeting (MM126, 24 April) and received appreciation for his work as organist. He married Helen Ida Gower in Mafeking, 18 September 1904. At the time he described himself as a civil servant. Farmer of Farm Crums, Grootfontein. He died in South West Africa, 3 April 1934

His cross country running I had not recorded.

Best wishes
David

Hi David
Here is the source of running exploits.
Regards
Adrian

Hi
First news of relief perhaps ?

Adrian123456 wrote: Hi David
Here is the source of running exploits.
Regards
Adrian

Thank you. Most interesting. It would be nice to run across one of his athletic medals. : )