TOPIC:

Whilst pottering around in the Natal Archives the other day (as one is wont to do...) I happened upon this interesting piece of correspondence relating to the strength of the NP deployed for military purposes. This was in December 1899, slap bang in the middle of the siege of Ladysmith. The medal roll for the Defence of that town does not come close to the numbers deployed there according to this?



Regards

Rory

A fascinating find, Rory. Thank you for posting.

A quick count of the DoLs to the NP suggests 111 issued.

Very interesting, Rory! I feel sure that there is still more useful NP information to come from these archives.

In the lead up to the war, the NP formed a Field Force of men who were to be employed on active service, while the "District Police" were expected to continue with their normal duties. Of course, it soon became evident that the District Police would also become involved in purely military service. The NP besieged in Ladysmith were all DP men from northern Natal. Later, the NP involved in Zululand (e.g. the Mahlabatini incident) were a mixture of FF and DP.

There were two deployments of the NP FF, one to the Tugela valley in support of the Umvoti Mounted Rifles, and the other to Estcourt and Buller's Relief Force. The latter was divided between being employed as Buller's Bodyguard, and active service with the Composite Regiment of the Mounted Brigade. Elements of the Estcourt District Police joined the Composite Regiment detachment, perhaps more on the initiative of the commander, Inspector Mardall, than on orders from the Maritzburg HQ.

Brett

Especially for Roy, here are examples of Natal Police Field Force shoulder titles.

Brett

Brett,

Many thanks for that information. I did not know that before.

Best wishes
David