| Images from Southern Africa |
| Pre-Boer War Photographic Images |
| Unidentified Officer 94th Regiment of Foot c. 1881 |
| European and Zulu Nongqai Natal c. 1890's |
| John Rouse Merriott Chard V.C. Royal Engineers c. 1880 |
While besieged for more than
two months at the mission station
at Eshowe during the Anglo-Zulu
War of 1879, the British garrison
had been plagued by Zulu snipers
on the nearby hill Mbombotshana.
Volunteers were called upon to
clear the enemy from the heights
and six men stepped forward
including Trooper Garland of the
Victoria Mounted Rifles. That
night the men made their way to
the top of the hill and drove off
the Zulu riflemen the next
morning.
For his actions Garland received a
Mention in Despatches.
two months at the mission station
at Eshowe during the Anglo-Zulu
War of 1879, the British garrison
had been plagued by Zulu snipers
on the nearby hill Mbombotshana.
Volunteers were called upon to
clear the enemy from the heights
and six men stepped forward
including Trooper Garland of the
Victoria Mounted Rifles. That
night the men made their way to
the top of the hill and drove off
the Zulu riflemen the next
morning.
For his actions Garland received a
Mention in Despatches.
| Quartermaster Alpheus Howe Garland Victoria Mounted Rifles Natal Mounted Rifles Cabinet Photograph c. 1890 |
After the war he continued to
serve in Victoria Mounted Rifles
and later the Natal Mounted
Rifles.
serve in Victoria Mounted Rifles
and later the Natal Mounted
Rifles.
| Autograph Major Gonville Bromhead 24th Regiment of Foot South Wales Borderers c. 1883 |
| Colonel Anthony Durnford Royal Engineers c. 1875 |
| Sergeant 5th Royal Irish Lancers and wife c. 1898 |
| "Courage" The Death of Lieutenants Melville and Coghill 24th Regiment. Chromolithograph 10 1/2 Inches by 10 1/2 Inches (26.5 cm x 26.5 cm) British/American Tobacco Co., Ltd. Litho by A. Hoen & Co. Inc. Richmond, Virginia, U.S.A. c. 1880 |
| Lieutenant Nevill Josiah Aylmer Coghill, V.C. 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot Mounted Woodburytype c. 1880 |
| Lieutenant & Adjutant Teignmouth Melvill, V.C. 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot Mounted Woodburytype c. 1880 |
Colour Sergeant Bourne: "It's a miracle." Lieutenant John Chard: "If it's a miracle, Colour Sergeant, it's a short chamber Boxer Henry point 45
caliber miracle." Colour Sergeant Bourne: "And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind it."
From the 1964 film ZULU
caliber miracle." Colour Sergeant Bourne: "And a bayonet, sir, with some guts behind it."
From the 1964 film ZULU
Perhaps there is no more tragic figure in the annals of Queen Victoria's "Little Wars" than that of
Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France. The son of Napoleon III, he was the heir of the
Bonapartist throne of Imperial France and the last hope for an Imperial restoration after the death of
his father.
Raised amidst the glorious traditions of the Second Empire, young Louis was a personal witness to
France's humiliating defeat at the hands of Prussian military efficiency during the Franco-Prussian
War.
Exiled to England with his mother after the war, the family was joined by Napoleon III after his
release from Prussian custody although the former Emperor died not long afterward. With little in
the way of a future for the exiled heir of a failed dynasty, Louis was granted admittance to the Royal
Military Academy, Woolwich in 1872. Through hard work and a winning personality Louis graduated
in 1875 although as a foreign prince he was denied holding actual rank in the Royal Artillery, his
chosen branch of service.
With the outbreak of the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 and the news of the disaster at Isandlwana Louis
sought permission to join forces departing for South Africa. Denied by Prime Minister Disraeli he
none the less was given letters of ....
Louis Napoleon, the Prince Imperial of France. The son of Napoleon III, he was the heir of the
Bonapartist throne of Imperial France and the last hope for an Imperial restoration after the death of
his father.
Raised amidst the glorious traditions of the Second Empire, young Louis was a personal witness to
France's humiliating defeat at the hands of Prussian military efficiency during the Franco-Prussian
War.
Exiled to England with his mother after the war, the family was joined by Napoleon III after his
release from Prussian custody although the former Emperor died not long afterward. With little in
the way of a future for the exiled heir of a failed dynasty, Louis was granted admittance to the Royal
Military Academy, Woolwich in 1872. Through hard work and a winning personality Louis graduated
in 1875 although as a foreign prince he was denied holding actual rank in the Royal Artillery, his
chosen branch of service.
With the outbreak of the Anglo-Zulu War in 1879 and the news of the disaster at Isandlwana Louis
sought permission to join forces departing for South Africa. Denied by Prime Minister Disraeli he
none the less was given letters of ....
| Napoleon Eugene Louis Joseph Bonaparte, The Prince Imperial of France Mounted Woodburytype from The South African Campaign of 1879 London Stereoscopic Company, London, England c. 1880 |
| Autograph Signature of the Prince Imperial from the Duke of Cambridge's Guest or Calling Book 14 February, 1879 |
| Bandsman Ted LeGros Prince Alfred's Guard 1885 |
| Trooper "F.B." Natal Mounted Rifles c. 1880s |
| Unidentified Trooper Cape Mounted Rifles 1877 |
Lt. Coghill: "There Melvill, there stretched out is my Lord Chelmsford's Army. What a wonderful adventure
we undertake. What a marvellous spree."
from the Cy Endfield film Zulu Dawn
we undertake. What a marvellous spree."
from the Cy Endfield film Zulu Dawn
| Boer War-era Photographic Images |
| Signalers The Queen's (Royal West Surrey) Regiment Natal Field Force c. 1900 |
| Trumpeter Henry John Donovan 4th Dragoon Guards c. 1906 |
| Unidentified Private 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment c. 1901 |
| Saddler Corporal "Tom" Unidentified Unit c. 1900 |
| Sergeant John Alexander Royal Garrison Artillery Natal, South Africa c. 1900 |
| Unidentified Old Soldier c. 1900 |
| Unidentified Medic Royal Army Medical Corps c. 1900 |
Harry "Breaker" Morant: "It's a new kind of war, George. It's a new war for a new century."
from the Bruce Beresford film Breaker Morant
from the Bruce Beresford film Breaker Morant
| Royal Artillery Howitzer Battery Natal, South Africa. c. 1902 |
| Captain F. E. Ashton York and Lancaster Regiment c.1900 |
| Unidentified Officer Cape Town, Cape Colony c. 1900 |
| Group of British Infantrymen Pietermaritzburg Natal, South Africa c. 1902 |
| "John Bull - is a Little "Boer-ed" Original Boer War Political Cartoon Gouache on Paper 7 inches by 10 inches (17.5 cm x 26.5 cm) Charles K. Cook c. 1900 England |
| "Jim" Black African Soldier Graaff Reinet, Cape Colony 1 August, 1902 |
| Private Joe Breen 1st Battalion The Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment Outside Blockhouse c.1901 |
| Lieutenant Harold Robert Jones 2nd Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment c. 1901 |
| Canadian Trooper South African Constabulary c.1903 |
| Unidentified Soldier Newcastle, Natal c. 1902 |
| Sergeant G. Wright Cape Mounted Rifles, South African Constabulary, New Zealand Expeditionary Force c. 1905 |
| Unidentified Private Cape Town Highlanders c. 1895 |
Original painting by artist Frank Craig titled Bursting Shell -
Elandslaagte painted in 1899 possibly for The Graphic.
This 1899 illustration by artist Frank Craig depicts the British
guns going into action at Elandslaagte during the Anglo- Boer
War in 1899. This black and white gouache painting may have
done for the British publication The Graphic for whom Craig
worked as an artist.
Elandslaagte painted in 1899 possibly for The Graphic.
This 1899 illustration by artist Frank Craig depicts the British
guns going into action at Elandslaagte during the Anglo- Boer
War in 1899. This black and white gouache painting may have
done for the British publication The Graphic for whom Craig
worked as an artist.
"I'm free! I'm Winston Bloody Churchill, and I'm free!"
from the 1972 Richard Attenborough film Young Winston
from the 1972 Richard Attenborough film Young Winston
| "Fred" Eastern Mounted Rifles c. 1905 |
| William Degacher 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot c. 1877 |
| Unidentified Police Constable Cape Rural Police c. 1890 |
| Captain George Vaughan Wardell 1st Battalion, 24th Regiment of Foot c. 1877 |
| Unidentified Private The Welch Regiment or North Staffordshire Regiment c. 1890 |
| Left: A veteran of the Anglo-Zulu War, this private or NCO was a member of the 58th Regiment of Foot. Carte de Visite Natal, South Africa c.1880 |
Wearing his recently presented 1877-79 South
Africa Medal, this private or possibly NCO was a
member of the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of
Foot. His collar badges clearly bear this out.
The 58th arrived in South Africa directly from
England as part of the reinforcements requested by
Lord Chelmsford after the abortive first invasion of
Zululand in early 1879.
Africa Medal, this private or possibly NCO was a
member of the 58th (Rutlandshire) Regiment of
Foot. His collar badges clearly bear this out.
The 58th arrived in South Africa directly from
England as part of the reinforcements requested by
Lord Chelmsford after the abortive first invasion of
Zululand in early 1879.
Taken from the April 1935 issue of The
Journal of the South Wales Borderers,
this image is an exact facsimile of the
muster roll that was drawn up by hand
for Col. Glyn, 24th Foot on 3 February,
1879 by Lt. John Rouse Merriot Chard,
R.E. who was commanding at Rorke's
Drift, January 22-23, 1879.
While several muster rolls for Rorke's
Drift exist, and exhibit some variations,
this one in Chard's own hand is can be
considered as authoritative as any.
Journal of the South Wales Borderers,
this image is an exact facsimile of the
muster roll that was drawn up by hand
for Col. Glyn, 24th Foot on 3 February,
1879 by Lt. John Rouse Merriot Chard,
R.E. who was commanding at Rorke's
Drift, January 22-23, 1879.
While several muster rolls for Rorke's
Drift exist, and exhibit some variations,
this one in Chard's own hand is can be
considered as authoritative as any.
| Sergeant Thomas Connelly, DCM Royal Irish Regiment c. 1903 |
Signed "Yours Truly", this photograph
of No. 5689 Sergeant Thomas Connelly of
the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment
shows him sometime after the end of the
Anglo-Boer War. He wears his Queen's
South Africa Medal with six clasps and
the King's South Africa Medal with its
usual two. He also wears his
Distinguished Conduct Medal which he
was awarded in 1901.
of No. 5689 Sergeant Thomas Connelly of
the 1st Battalion, Royal Irish Regiment
shows him sometime after the end of the
Anglo-Boer War. He wears his Queen's
South Africa Medal with six clasps and
the King's South Africa Medal with its
usual two. He also wears his
Distinguished Conduct Medal which he
was awarded in 1901.
Connelly received a Mention in Despatches for the his actions from
General Roberts in the September 10, 1901 edition of The London Gazette.
This was upgraded to the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the September
27, 1901 issue of the Gazette.
General Roberts in the September 10, 1901 edition of The London Gazette.
This was upgraded to the Distinguished Conduct Medal in the September
27, 1901 issue of the Gazette.
| Far left: Unidentified Mounted Infantryman 58th Regiment of Foot. Carte de Visite Natal, South Africa c. 1880 |
| Left: Private James Osborne 58th Regiment of Foot 2nd Battalion, The Northamptonshire Regiment. (from The History of the Victoria Cross by Philip A. Wilkins, 1904) c. 1882 |
At far left is a Carte de Visite of an unidentified
mounted infantryman of the 58th Foot taken in
Natal, South Africa shortly after the end of the
Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. On the right is a
photograph c. 1882 of Private James Osborne VC
of the 58th Foot / 2nd Battalion, The
Northamptonshire Regiment.
When closely compared both these photos appear
to depict the same individual. If this is the case
then the carte de visite would be a relatively rare
image of an other rank taken prior to being
invested with the Victoria Cross.
James Osborne was born on 13 April, 1857. He
served with the 58th Regiment of Foot as a
mounted infantryman during the Anglo-Zulu war
of 1879 and remained in South Africa after the
end of that conflict.
mounted infantryman of the 58th Foot taken in
Natal, South Africa shortly after the end of the
Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. On the right is a
photograph c. 1882 of Private James Osborne VC
of the 58th Foot / 2nd Battalion, The
Northamptonshire Regiment.
When closely compared both these photos appear
to depict the same individual. If this is the case
then the carte de visite would be a relatively rare
image of an other rank taken prior to being
invested with the Victoria Cross.
James Osborne was born on 13 April, 1857. He
served with the 58th Regiment of Foot as a
mounted infantryman during the Anglo-Zulu war
of 1879 and remained in South Africa after the
end of that conflict.
| Volunteer or Constable Graaff Reinet Cape Colony c. 1885 |
| Unidentified Trooper British South Africa Company Police c. 1895 |
| Lieutenant Audley Vaughan Gosling 3/4 Battalions, The Worcestershire Regiment Cabinet Photograph (trimmed) 1886 |
Bearing one of those eccentrically odd Victorian names,
Audley Vaughan Gosling was born in 1864 the son of George
F, Gosling a staff officer on half pay. George Gosling was
widowed by 1871 when Audley was about six years old and I
have not been able to uncover the name of Audley’s mother.
In 1881 Gosling was living in London with his uncle Major-
General William Francis Gosling, R.A.
Gosling was commissioned a lieutenant in the 4th or 5th
Volunteer Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment on 3
April, 1886. For some reason the London Gazette does not
differentiate between the two battalions in either the issue
that mentions his commissioning (2 April, 1886) or in the
issue that mentions his resignation (7 June, 1889).
Sometime after his resignation Gosling ventured to South
Africa and joined the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP). He
served as a captain with a detachment of the BBP (“G”
troop) in the force that was raised by Dr. Leander Starr
Jameson for his ill-planned invasion of the Boer’s Transvaal
Audley Vaughan Gosling was born in 1864 the son of George
F, Gosling a staff officer on half pay. George Gosling was
widowed by 1871 when Audley was about six years old and I
have not been able to uncover the name of Audley’s mother.
In 1881 Gosling was living in London with his uncle Major-
General William Francis Gosling, R.A.
Gosling was commissioned a lieutenant in the 4th or 5th
Volunteer Battalion, The Worcestershire Regiment on 3
April, 1886. For some reason the London Gazette does not
differentiate between the two battalions in either the issue
that mentions his commissioning (2 April, 1886) or in the
issue that mentions his resignation (7 June, 1889).
Sometime after his resignation Gosling ventured to South
Africa and joined the Bechuanaland Border Police (BBP). He
served as a captain with a detachment of the BBP (“G”
troop) in the force that was raised by Dr. Leander Starr
Jameson for his ill-planned invasion of the Boer’s Transvaal
Republic and was captured when Jameson’s outnumbered
and outfought force was compelled to surrender to the
Boers on 2 January, 1896. Gosling was transported back to
England for trial with a number of the so-called Jameson
Raiders but was acquitted of all charges.
Gosling returned to South Africa that same year and
served as a staff officer during the Moshonaland
Expedition with the rank of Major in the British South
Africa Police (BSA). He received a Mention in Despatches
from General Martin for his services during that
campaign:
“Chief Inspector A. V. Gosling. District Staff Officer, acted
as second in command and conducted several important
patrols with conspicuous success. He commanded the
attack on Kunzi’s and took part in all the encounters with
the natives, showing the greatest coolness and gallantry
under fire.”
One would assume that Gosling would have qualified for
the British South Africa Company Medal for his service in
Moshonaland but I have up to this point been unable to
locate an entry for him in that medal roll.
and outfought force was compelled to surrender to the
Boers on 2 January, 1896. Gosling was transported back to
England for trial with a number of the so-called Jameson
Raiders but was acquitted of all charges.
Gosling returned to South Africa that same year and
served as a staff officer during the Moshonaland
Expedition with the rank of Major in the British South
Africa Police (BSA). He received a Mention in Despatches
from General Martin for his services during that
campaign:
“Chief Inspector A. V. Gosling. District Staff Officer, acted
as second in command and conducted several important
patrols with conspicuous success. He commanded the
attack on Kunzi’s and took part in all the encounters with
the natives, showing the greatest coolness and gallantry
under fire.”
One would assume that Gosling would have qualified for
the British South Africa Company Medal for his service in
Moshonaland but I have up to this point been unable to
locate an entry for him in that medal roll.
| Midshipman Bertram Noel Denison HMS Doris/Naval Brigade 2nd Battalion The King's Own Yorkshire Light Infantry Carte de Visite G. F. West & Sons Gosport, Hampshire, England c. 1900 |
Bertram Noel Denison was born on 21
December, 1883 in Greenock, Renfrewshire,
Scotland the son of Rear-Admiral John
Denison, of Toronto, Canada and Florence
Ledgard of Yorkshire.
He was educated at Sandhurst and Harrow
and passed first on the list from the HMS
Britania in December, 1898.
As a midshipman off the HMS Doris he
served with the Naval Brigade as
aide-de-camp to Captain Bearcroft during
the Anglo-Boer War. He took part in
operations in the Transvaal, around
Pretoria, Belfast (26-17 August) and the
Orange Free State. He received a Mention in
Despatches on 12 March, 1901.
A humorous incident occurred while Denison
was in command of the cutter which was
landing the Boer general Cronje on the
island of St. Helena after the later's defeat
and capture. The 13 June, 1900 edition of
The Straights Times quotes a personal letter
from Denison. Cronje's wife had been ill...
December, 1883 in Greenock, Renfrewshire,
Scotland the son of Rear-Admiral John
Denison, of Toronto, Canada and Florence
Ledgard of Yorkshire.
He was educated at Sandhurst and Harrow
and passed first on the list from the HMS
Britania in December, 1898.
As a midshipman off the HMS Doris he
served with the Naval Brigade as
aide-de-camp to Captain Bearcroft during
the Anglo-Boer War. He took part in
operations in the Transvaal, around
Pretoria, Belfast (26-17 August) and the
Orange Free State. He received a Mention in
Despatches on 12 March, 1901.
A humorous incident occurred while Denison
was in command of the cutter which was
landing the Boer general Cronje on the
island of St. Helena after the later's defeat
and capture. The 13 June, 1900 edition of
The Straights Times quotes a personal letter
from Denison. Cronje's wife had been ill...
Born on 21 March, 1871 in Epsom, Surrey, Robert Donat Edmund
McMahon was the second son of Donat McMahon and Isabella
Mclean. The elder McMahon was a former officer in the Military
Train who has previously invented a prototype pack saddle that was
field tested in Abyssinia.
Robert was educated at Bedford Grammar School and spent time as
a mounted policeman in England prior to travelling to the United
States sometime around 1893. It was on 1 September of that year
that he enlisted as a Private in "A" Company of the 7th Regiment,
United States Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas.
McMahon was the second son of Donat McMahon and Isabella
Mclean. The elder McMahon was a former officer in the Military
Train who has previously invented a prototype pack saddle that was
field tested in Abyssinia.
Robert was educated at Bedford Grammar School and spent time as
a mounted policeman in England prior to travelling to the United
States sometime around 1893. It was on 1 September of that year
that he enlisted as a Private in "A" Company of the 7th Regiment,
United States Cavalry at Fort Riley, Kansas.
| Troop Sergeant Major Robert Donat Edmund McMahon 7th U.S. Cavalry Matabeleland Mounted Police South Africa Company Police Rhodesia Regiment South African Constabulary Royal Dublin Fusiliers etc., etc. South Africa 24 May, 1902 |
| Maurice Raymond Gifford C.M.G. French's Scouts Gifford's Horse Kimberley Horse Cabinet Photo Hyde Park, London, England c. 1893 |
The second son of Robert Francis Gifford,
2nd Baron Gifford, Maurice Gifford was
born on 5 May, 1859 at Ampney Park,
Gloucester. His elder brother was Edric
Gifford who while a lieutenant in the 2/24th
Foot won the Victoria Cross during the
Ashanti Expedition of 1874.
Educated at Worcester he served in the
mercantile marine between 1876 and 1882.
While assistant correspondent to the Daily
Telegraph he was present at the Battle of
Tel-el-Kebir during the Egyptian Campaign
of 1882.
He spent over ten years in Canada and
served with French's Scouts during the Riel
Rebellion in 1885.
2nd Baron Gifford, Maurice Gifford was
born on 5 May, 1859 at Ampney Park,
Gloucester. His elder brother was Edric
Gifford who while a lieutenant in the 2/24th
Foot won the Victoria Cross during the
Ashanti Expedition of 1874.
Educated at Worcester he served in the
mercantile marine between 1876 and 1882.
While assistant correspondent to the Daily
Telegraph he was present at the Battle of
Tel-el-Kebir during the Egyptian Campaign
of 1882.
He spent over ten years in Canada and
served with French's Scouts during the Riel
Rebellion in 1885.
| Above: An Army Long Service & Good Conduct Medal (2nd Type) issued to Sergeant William Thake of the 88th Regiment of Foot. 1st Battalion, The Connaught Rangers. c. 1895 |
No. 191 191 Sergeant
William Thake was
born at Stepney,
London around 1859
and enlisted in the 88th
Regiment of Foot when
he was 14 years old on
17 December, 1873. He
was described as being
four feet four and one
half inches tall with a
fair complexion, hazel
eyes and brown hair
with a former trade of
musician listed.
William Thake was
born at Stepney,
London around 1859
and enlisted in the 88th
Regiment of Foot when
he was 14 years old on
17 December, 1873. He
was described as being
four feet four and one
half inches tall with a
fair complexion, hazel
eyes and brown hair
with a former trade of
musician listed.
The 1877-79 South Africa Medal that
was presented to No. 9265 Corporal
Josiah Clarke of the Royal Engineers
War.
Clarke's service records have proved
elusive even after extensive online
searches and an on site search at the
National Archives at Kew. It is quite
likely that Corporal Clarke's records
where amongst those destroyed by
German bombs during World War
Two. Additional searches will continue
in the hopes of finding out more
about this soldier.
Based on the 1877-79 South Africa
Medal Roll, Clarke served under
Captain Bindon Blood in 30 Company
was presented to No. 9265 Corporal
Josiah Clarke of the Royal Engineers
War.
Clarke's service records have proved
elusive even after extensive online
searches and an on site search at the
National Archives at Kew. It is quite
likely that Corporal Clarke's records
where amongst those destroyed by
German bombs during World War
Two. Additional searches will continue
in the hopes of finding out more
about this soldier.
Based on the 1877-79 South Africa
Medal Roll, Clarke served under
Captain Bindon Blood in 30 Company
of the Royal Engineers during the
Anglo-Zulu War. Blood oversaw the
building of the pontoon bridge
across the Tugela in June 1879 and
Corporal Clarke may have been
involved in its construction.
Anglo-Zulu War. Blood oversaw the
building of the pontoon bridge
across the Tugela in June 1879 and
Corporal Clarke may have been
involved in its construction.
| Lieutenant John Medley Loveband Fulford Railway Staff November 1900 |
| Real Photo Postcard Sazerac - Photographer Paris, France c.1900 |
A not so risqué "French postcard"
produced in Paris to take
advantage of events in South
Africa during the Anglo-Boer War.
Simply captioned "Transvaal" it is
hard to say which side of the
conflict this comely young lady was
supposed to appeal - in all
likelihood both. Tame by today's
standards one can assume that she
was a turn of the century example
of what would one day become
known as a pinup. As in later wars
she offered a minor though
probably quite welcome diversion
for the otherwise dismal life of a
soldier at war.
produced in Paris to take
advantage of events in South
Africa during the Anglo-Boer War.
Simply captioned "Transvaal" it is
hard to say which side of the
conflict this comely young lady was
supposed to appeal - in all
likelihood both. Tame by today's
standards one can assume that she
was a turn of the century example
of what would one day become
known as a pinup. As in later wars
she offered a minor though
probably quite welcome diversion
for the otherwise dismal life of a
soldier at war.
| Private Arthur Chaplin 2nd Battalion, The Wiltshire Regiment c.1899 |
| Above: Parchment Army Form B. 128 issued to Colour Sergeant Alfred Charles Allen of the 80th (Staffordshire Volunteers) Regiment of Foot. 31 March, 1894 |
This set of parchment discharge
documents for Alfred Charles Allen
represents a rather interesting
military career that stretched over
some 40 years and moved between the
services. As I so many cases these
records offer solid facts regarding
Allen’s service to the Crown but at
the same time raise some very
interesting questions due to several
important facts that are unfortunately
missing. Inconsistencies between
these records, his service papers and
medal rolls are intriguing and beg for
additional research.
documents for Alfred Charles Allen
represents a rather interesting
military career that stretched over
some 40 years and moved between the
services. As I so many cases these
records offer solid facts regarding
Allen’s service to the Crown but at
the same time raise some very
interesting questions due to several
important facts that are unfortunately
missing. Inconsistencies between
these records, his service papers and
medal rolls are intriguing and beg for
additional research.
According to the first page of his
enlistment papers Alfred Charles Allen
was born Chatham, Kent, England about
1849 although one of his discharge
parchments gives his birth date as 11
June, 1851. No definite records relating
to his childhood and family have been
found so far.
He attested with the 80th (Staffordshire
Volunteers) Regiment of Foot at Cork
on 30 June, 1863. He was underage at
the time being 14 years 11 months old
and standing only 4 feet 6 inches tall.
As was the case with such underage
enlistment papers Alfred Charles Allen
was born Chatham, Kent, England about
1849 although one of his discharge
parchments gives his birth date as 11
June, 1851. No definite records relating
to his childhood and family have been
found so far.
He attested with the 80th (Staffordshire
Volunteers) Regiment of Foot at Cork
on 30 June, 1863. He was underage at
the time being 14 years 11 months old
and standing only 4 feet 6 inches tall.
As was the case with such underage
recruits he was given the rank of
“Boy” upon enlistment with the
service number of 384. He was
described as having fresh complexion
with grey eyes and dark brown hair.
No family or next of kin are
mentioned anywhere in the existing
pages of his service papers.
After reaching his 15th birthday on
30 July, 1864 he was promoted to
Drummer. Although several very
important pages of his service records
are missing and the surviving
portions rather hard to read the
following outline of his service with
the 80th Foot has been pieced
together.
“Boy” upon enlistment with the
service number of 384. He was
described as having fresh complexion
with grey eyes and dark brown hair.
No family or next of kin are
mentioned anywhere in the existing
pages of his service papers.
After reaching his 15th birthday on
30 July, 1864 he was promoted to
Drummer. Although several very
important pages of his service records
are missing and the surviving
portions rather hard to read the
following outline of his service with
the 80th Foot has been pieced
together.
| The Maine in the Hands of the Shipwright. West India Docks, London. Pen & Ink on Paper Richard Quiller Lane London, England 1899 |
This rather exquisite pen and
ink drawing by British maritime
artist Richard Quiller Lane
depicts the conversion of the
Atlantic Transport Line steamer
SS Maine into a hospital ship
during the Anglo-Boer War.
Offered to the British Admiralty
by the line's American owner,
funds for the conversion were
raised by the London based
American Ladies Hospital Ship
Society which had been formed
for the purpose by Jennie
Churchill, Winston Churchill's
American-born mother. The ship
was fitted out at London's West
ink drawing by British maritime
artist Richard Quiller Lane
depicts the conversion of the
Atlantic Transport Line steamer
SS Maine into a hospital ship
during the Anglo-Boer War.
Offered to the British Admiralty
by the line's American owner,
funds for the conversion were
raised by the London based
American Ladies Hospital Ship
Society which had been formed
for the purpose by Jennie
Churchill, Winston Churchill's
American-born mother. The ship
was fitted out at London's West
India Docks and sailed for South Africa on 23
December, 1899. The Maine remained on
station for four months and after returning a
shipload of wounded to England was dispatched...
December, 1899. The Maine remained on
station for four months and after returning a
shipload of wounded to England was dispatched...
| Left: Postal cover addressed to Mrs. Linington from her son Lance Corporal George Linington of the 2nd Battalion, the Royal Hampshire Regiment. South Africa 31 July, 1901 |
This postal cover was sent by No. 616 Lance Corporal George Linington while
“On Active Service” to his mother Martha at 54 Commercial Rd., Portsmouth
on 31 July, 1901. At the time Linington was a member of the 2nd Volunteer
Company, 2nd Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment.
Born at Portsmouth, Hampshire, England in 1876, George Linington was the
son of Alfred Linington, a coach builder and his wife Martha. George followed
his father’s trade and was listed as a coach builder when he attested with the
3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment sometime prior to the
Anglo-Boer War.
Volunteering for war service on 17 January, 1900, Lenington was posted as a
private to the 2nd Volunteer Company of the Hampshire Regiment. Appointed
Lance Corporal on 24 October, 1901. He was discharged at the completion of
his term of service on 12 June, 1902.
“On Active Service” to his mother Martha at 54 Commercial Rd., Portsmouth
on 31 July, 1901. At the time Linington was a member of the 2nd Volunteer
Company, 2nd Battalion, The Hampshire Regiment.
Born at Portsmouth, Hampshire, England in 1876, George Linington was the
son of Alfred Linington, a coach builder and his wife Martha. George followed
his father’s trade and was listed as a coach builder when he attested with the
3rd Volunteer Battalion of the Hampshire Regiment sometime prior to the
Anglo-Boer War.
Volunteering for war service on 17 January, 1900, Lenington was posted as a
private to the 2nd Volunteer Company of the Hampshire Regiment. Appointed
Lance Corporal on 24 October, 1901. He was discharged at the completion of
his term of service on 12 June, 1902.
| Lieutenant John Raymond Evelyn Stansfeld 2nd Battalion, The Gordon Highlanders Cabinet Photograph London, England November 1899 |
Taken in November 1899 just prior to
his departure to South Africa, the
cabinet photograph at right depicts a
young John Raymond Evelyn Stansfeld
of the 2/Gordon Highlanders with a
female relation. The period inscription
on the photo's reverse identifies him
fully but she is only mentioned as
"mother". She appears to young to be
his mother who born in 1855 so she
could be one of his three sisters with
the inscription having been made by one
of her children.
his departure to South Africa, the
cabinet photograph at right depicts a
young John Raymond Evelyn Stansfeld
of the 2/Gordon Highlanders with a
female relation. The period inscription
on the photo's reverse identifies him
fully but she is only mentioned as
"mother". She appears to young to be
his mother who born in 1855 so she
could be one of his three sisters with
the inscription having been made by one
of her children.
| "Selby" Trooper, City Imperial Volunteers Pretoria, South Africa April 1901 |
| Postal Cover to Mr. M Crinkley from No. 7472 Corporal James Leach Robinson of the 2nd Battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers. 21 July, 1900 |
Pictured at left in one of two postal covers
addressed to Mr. Matthew A. Crinkley of
Monkseaton, Northumberland, England by No. 7472
Corporal James Leach Robinson of the 2nd
Battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers while
on active service in South Africa during the Anglo-
Boer War.
Robinson seems to have been a typical example of a
junior non-commissioned officer who enlisted with
the sole purpose of service in the war attesting at
Newcastle upon Tyne on 22 January 1900 and being
discharged on 27 May, 1901 with a total service
time of 1 year, 126 days.
Robinson was born at St. Peter’s Quay,
Northumberland about 1876 the son of potato
salesman Isaac and Margaret Robinson. The
younger Robinson was a member of the 3rd
Volunteer Battalion of the Northumberland
Fusiliers prior to his enlistment in the regulars.
addressed to Mr. Matthew A. Crinkley of
Monkseaton, Northumberland, England by No. 7472
Corporal James Leach Robinson of the 2nd
Battalion, the Northumberland Fusiliers while
on active service in South Africa during the Anglo-
Boer War.
Robinson seems to have been a typical example of a
junior non-commissioned officer who enlisted with
the sole purpose of service in the war attesting at
Newcastle upon Tyne on 22 January 1900 and being
discharged on 27 May, 1901 with a total service
time of 1 year, 126 days.
Robinson was born at St. Peter’s Quay,
Northumberland about 1876 the son of potato
salesman Isaac and Margaret Robinson. The
younger Robinson was a member of the 3rd
Volunteer Battalion of the Northumberland
Fusiliers prior to his enlistment in the regulars.