TOPIC:

Frank,
Is it ok to use the pic to add to my medal file please?

Paul

Frank Kelley wrote: Paul,
Edward Brabant raised Brabants Horse and commanded the Colonial Division, they spent much of their time in the Eastern Cape.
Frank

Paul,
Yes of course, that is his signature above, he spent much of his time in November 1899 attesting his own men!
Regards Frank

Thanks Frank,
Much appreciated

Paul

Frank Kelley wrote: Paul,
Yes of course, that is his signature above, he spent much of his time in November 1899 attesting his own men!
Regards Frank

Love it, nice pair of handle bars on the face. Probably kept the face warm in the 1900's?? Would have to be a Movember finalist. How fashion changes....

The Brabant who died at Ladysmith was Lieutenant A E Brabant, ILH, about whom Gibson in his history of the ILH wrote:

Two Victoria Crosses were awarded to ILH officers for their gallantry during the Battle of Elandslaagte, "the only regret being that the equally courageous action of Lieutenant Brabant was not similarly rewarded."

Gibson went on:
"A. E. Brabant, a son of Major-General Brabant, born in Cape Colony, brave and unassuming, with striking natural military gifts which had no chance to develop. He died from wounds received at Long Valley (Ladysmith) on 3rd November 1899."

The Long Valley action was an ill-conceived and fruitless event that led to the replacement of the temporary commander of the ILH, Major Karri Davies, a citizen soldier, by Major A H M Edwards, 5th Dragoon Guards, a professional soldier, who was to lead the ILH with great distinction until Mafeking had been relieved and the Transvaal was invaded from the west.

Brett

Brett,
I have never really understood why Arthur Brabant did not get the VC for his actions that day at Elandslaagte, he rushed forward with Charles Mullins and Robert Johnson at that very same key moment, he did everything they did and exposed himself to the same amount of risk, but he was not wounded and he was a Colonial Lieutenant, so these might be factors we must consider!

Major Davies wrote to General French in January 1901 and pointed out that the actions of Mullins and Johnson had saved the day at Elaandslaagte, I wonder if he also mentioned Arthur Brabant in his letter?
Walter Davies was a timber merchant, trading in karri wood, was he not?

Edward Brabant's other son, Capt Guy Brabant, SAMIF, did get a DSO though!

Regards Frank