TOPIC:

Whilst I am aware that roughly 5500 pipes were sent out to servicemen in South Africa from queen Alexandria

This is the only example I have ever seen

It states that it is a present from HRH Queen Alexandria Xmas 1901

This example was presented to Sergt D Heriot 42nd RFA

It had a hallmarked silver band that connects the bowl & the stem and this is engraved with queen Alexandria's monogram

Sjt Heriot was a recipient of the DCM

Does anyone else have a similar example?

Cheers

Andrew

Andrew,

I found a related article which says:

The 6000 tobacco pipes that the Queen intends to send privileged regiments in South Africa as a Christmas present have been made in France. The finishing touches will be added in England, that is to say the silver mounting with the monogram of the Queen.

Leeuwarder Courant, 8 Nov 1901

The article goes on to say that the pipes were made at the special request of Queen Alexandra. They were included in the Christmas parcel she sent to every soldier fighting in the campaign.

The only trouble is that 6,000 pipes will not mean one for every soldier

Thanks David

The figure I noted was 5500 but I have no doubt that 6000 is probably correct

However whilst I have bought / sold / own a lot of Boer war memorabilia over the past 30 years this is the only example of the pipe that I have come across

Cheers

Andrew

In the winter of 1901, 5,500 pipes were sent to SA.

Some pipes went to the Army and some to the Navy.

The Army pipes were sent to Lord Kitchener, and were given first to Warrant Officers, Staff Sergeants, Sergeants, and specially distinguished soldiers. The remaining pipes were distributed on a proportional basis, 15 to each Cavalry regiment, 22 to each Infantry battalion, and 18 to each Militia Infantry battalion.

No central record was kept of the recipients.

Well that fits

I suspect that my man falls in to the specially distinguished section as a recipient of the DCM

cheers

Andrew

Andrew,

I would think so, especially given he is RFA.