TOPIC:

Rory

Not wanting to muscle in, but what would tempt you to party with it? Feel free to email.

Doug.

Brett

I would be interested in hearing more about the connection with Winston Churchill and Trooper Fred A Freshney of the Imperial Light Horse.

I have his original medal.

Regards

Freshney001

Freshney 001

The news that Fred Freshney's QSA still exists and is in safe hands is the most exciting that I have received in a long time! I hope that you will post a photograph of this medal.

Many years ago, I received a photocopy of the booklet, 'My Experiences in the South African War 1899-1900', which was published by Fred Freshey's family and in which Fred told the story of his Boer War experiences. On the last page of the booklet, Fred tells of Winston Churchill's intervention which secured for him the early issue of his QSA with the incorrect clasp. Not surprisingly, Fred was not aware of the error with the clasp, and, hopefully, the error has not been corrected and the medal is still as Fred received it.

Fred's booklet cemented my interest in the Imperial Light Horse. It is a mine of useful information and anecdotes recounted by a man in the 'other ranks' of a regiment that has a record second to none in the Boer War, in spite of being formed only a few weeks before it went into action for the first time.

I have the QSA of one of Fred's tent mates, who was also wounded during the Battle of Colenso, and Fred's record of this man (141 Tpr J P Nelson), 'brought him to life' for me.

Regards
Brett

Hi Brett,

The original book was published circa 1901, and I republished this back in 1992

The book is still available if anyone wants the address.

I just wanted to check with you which source you received this info from.

I have pictures of him while in the war and I will post these as well as a picture of his medal soon.

Thank you

Freshney001

Freshney001

I am pleased that you found this site and I will look forward to seeing your posts.

Regards
Brett

Hi David, So if I have a single clasp Elandslaagte to a Private who was wounded there and invalided home, this would be quite scarce?

regards
Ian