TOPIC:

Twenty years ago I purchased an ebony box, carved by a P.O.W. at Diyatalawa, Ceylon. On its lid are the arms of the Cope family (of Drummilly, Ireland), and inside the monogram JMC or MJC.

Despite my best efforts, I haven't been able to find any record of a Cope being in Ceylon at this time.

The Cope coat-of-arms can also be seen on another piece, which Vicky Heunis illustrates in her book Krygsgevangenekuns in die Anglo-Boereoorlog (p. 79). This is a very impressive cabinet incorporating three large ebony panels, the central one of which is carved with the arms. This was clearly made for someone of standing, perhaps an officer or a member of the British Administration. But no J. or M. Copes are listed in the Official Army Lists of the period, and, as yet, I have been unable to find any mention of a gentleman with this name connected with Diyatalawa in the newspapers.

The only man I have been able to find is a Colour Sergeant John Cope of the Wiltshire Regiment, but he was stationed there two years after the last Boers left Diyatalawa Camp (from June 1905 to September 1908).

Any ideas?

















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Have you considered the Copes of Bramshill in your search?

Neville, long shot: The Boers in Diyatalawa were apparently guarded by Devonshires and Gordon Highlanders. A quick scan gave only 4 troopers by the name of Cope listed in these 2 Regiments. I can imagine that one of these was a guard and looking for a nice present to give a family member when he went home, using his signet ring as base for the carving. Perhaps if you research these 4 further you find a link to J.M. or M.J. Cope.