TOPIC:

I found a couple of entries in the Black and White Budget magazine pertaining to our V .C contenders. It looks like the actions were quickly reported on and even though the actions were heroic and worthy of a mention in dispatches and a possible medal recommendation whether it be a DCM or a coveted VC. It looks like many brave feats of heroism were not rewarded, deserved or not, or the criteria wasn't met for whatever reason as was the case with Lieutenant Pomeroy.

I could only find one Pte Fitzmaurice in the Grenadier Guards
4124 Pte J Fitzmaurice,  served in 1st, 2nd and 3rd battalions of the Grenadier Guards.
Saw action in the Sudan, QSA with 5 clasps, Belmont,  Modder River, Driefontein, Johannesburg and Diamond Hill.

However his KSA medal roll dated 1st December 1902 Aldershot records this medal was forefeited for desertion ( dated 5/5/08)

This may be the reason his act of valour went unrewarded?
That's if I've got the right chap?

On further investigation, looks like Lieutenant Pomeroy was a case of mistaken identity. I found this information regarding a sale auction of Lieutenant Pomeroy's swords.

Interestingly,in 1902 a set of Cigarette cards, entitled "VC Heroes-Boer War" were published by James Taddy & Company. Number 85 in the set features "Lieut.the Hon.R.Pomeroy.V.C"

It goes on to say that Pomeroy was "awarded the Victoria Cross for gallantly saving a comrade during a sortie from Ladysmith under heavy fire."

This would appear to be a case of mistaken identity, the award of the VC actually went to 2nd Lt. John Norwood, 5th Dragoon Guards. Sadly Pomeroy's name does not appear in the list of VC recipients. His regimental history also makes no mention of him being awarded a VC.

A number of officers of the 5th were put forward for the award, and knowing how the VC process works, it is likely that Pomeroy's name was amongst them, with the award eventually going to Norwood.

I wonder how that VC process did work?