| Bru De Wold | H M | | Colonel | He was born 25 Aug 1842, son of Hans C Bru-de-Wold, of Trondhjem, Norway. He was educated at the Naval College, Norway. He joined the Volunteer Forces Natal, in 1873; served in the Zulu Campaign of 1878-79, with the Alexandra Mounted Rifles (Medal and clasp), and became Lieutenant, Alexandra Mounted Rifles, 7 August 1882. He served in the Boer War, 1899-1902, as Chief Staff Officer, Natal Volunteer Force. He took part in operations in Natal, 1899, including the actions at Rietfontein and Lombard's Kop; defence of Ladysmith (severely wounded), including action of 6 January 1900; operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including action at Laing's Nek; operations in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July to October 1900; operations on the Zululand Frontier of Natal, September and October 1901; in command of the Natal Volunteer Brigade 10 April to 31 May 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 8 February 1901 (Sir G S White, 2 December 1899, and 25 March 1900), and London Gazette, 16 April 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, and was created a CMG. He was promoted Colonel 1 July 1905, and on the outbreak of the Natal Native Rebellion, as Commandant of the Natal Militia, he took command of all troops operating, and carried the campaign to a satisfactory end. He received the Natal Native Rebellion Medal and clasp, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 28 June 1907] "For services during the Native Rebellion in Natal, 1906: Hilmar Theodore Bru-de-Wold, CMG, Commandant, Local Forces, Natal". On 25 August 1907, he retired to the Staff Supernumerary List at the age of 65. He had the Volunteer Decoration. Colonel Bru-de-Wold died 8 September 1913. He married (1st), in 1871, Sarah (died 1892), eldest daughter of John Bazley, of Natal, and their children were: Jane Bernardine, born 30 April 1873 (married A H Borgnis, Lieutenant, 3rd SAMR), and Thorkill Walhan Brue-de-Wold, born 26 January 1879 (Lieutenant, South African Infantry; killed at Delville Wood). He married (2ndly), in 1895, Helen Mary, daughter of J D Shuter, of Durban.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Natal Volunteer Staff |
