TOPIC:

Howdy,

Came across a medal inscribed to : Troopr P. Bell "C" Troop BFF

BFF stand for Bulawayo Field Force ?

There is an opportunity to purchase so I was wondering if anyone could tell me more about the medal and the man it was awarded too.

Ive never had a British South Africa Company medal before and have no knowledge of this conflict.

Cheers!

Good morning VicSteel,

Take a look at the following thread on this forum:

"Trooper Christopher John Packe "C" Troop, Rhodesian Volunteer Horse, Bulawayo Field Force".

The above mentioned man was killed in action by the Matabele at Gwanda River. Maybe your man was involved in this action?

Also "Sunshine and Rain in Rhodesia" by F. C. Selous gives a good background to the Matabele Rebellion. I think it is actually in the books/publication section of this forum for you to read. But please bear in mind it's vocabulary is very much if it's time!

Cheers,

Steve

VixSteel
The Owen medal roll for the BSACM shows "Tpr P.Bell" as entitled to the 1896 clasp and served with F troop, BFF. Looking at the more extensive BSACM roll published by Roberts Publications shows Tpr. P. Bell as serving with Raaf's Colm during the 1893 campaign and also served with Gifford's Horse during 1896.
The implication is that Tpr P. Bell earned the BSACM for 1893 and was also awarded the 1896 clasp for the later Rebellion.
I understand that the Selous book is entitled "Sunshine and Storm". Another more recent publication if you can find it is "The '96 REBELLIONS" (BSAC Reports on the Native Disturbances in Rhodesia, 1896-97.
Regards
IL.