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Dear 'Smethwick'
I've just had a look at Marshall Hole's book, and found the passage I was looking for. During the course of the Raid a letter written largely by Col Rhodes was sent to Dr Jameson, but rather than being delivered by a horse-mounted messenger (which I assume could have been referred to as a 'galloper') was delivered by two cyclists (who presumably could be referred to as 'peddlers'!). Their names were Rowland and Celliers (a Dutchman), so discounting your man. However, there seems to have been much communication between the different individuals of the Reform Committee in the Transvaal at this time (late 1895 to early January 1896), so mounted couriers will almost certainly have been used. Alas, I doubt their identities are recorded anywhere...but of course that means your man could still have performed this role as a young man! Perhaps some memories can be allowed to live on?
Chris

Chris - I like your interpretation and I shall record Walter as a mounted messenger working for the brother of Cecil Rhodes who, although not a participant in the raid, was closely involved with it.

The last sentence of the obit intrigues me and I don't think Rhodes had that much influence on Walter views. In 1906 Walter gave a lecture in Sheffield on the Russo-Japanese War which he saw as a blessing for the "priest and church-ridden" peasants of Russia. He felt the economic consequences of the war had contributed to the revolutionary movement in Russia which would ultimately lead to the freedom of the peasants. I have yet to find his views on the Russian Revolution once it had happened. The presence of African Chiefs at his funeral also indicates by the time of his death his views were very different from those of Rhodes.

I am in need of more help! Just found this poor quality reversed photo of Walter Kirton taken at his second wedding in 1908. I think the uniform must be that of the League of Frontiersmen which he belonged to between the Boer & Great Wars. I know he won the QSA with 7 clasps and that can be clearly made out. He also won the DCM and I am pretty sure that is on the right as you look at it - the photo is obviously damaged here but you can just make out the ornate nature of the part the medal is attached to. The one on the left would appear to be the Kings South Africa Medal although I have been unable to find a medal roll for it. Can anybody tell me what the fourth one is with the many striped ribbon?

Hello David
If he served in East Africa? It may be the East/West Africa medal

Dave.......

When I first looked at it I thought the ribbon had 5 vertical dark stripes. Re-examination shows the 5th stripe is actually the edge of the DCM ribbon. Further examination suggests the outer stripes are wider than the inner ones which makes me 99% certain it is the Africa General Service Medal and the bar would tells us the year(s) he was engaged in sorting out "lawless tribesman". Walter receiving this medal fits with what is already known about him but being able to read the bar would help on some of the detail of his life.