Source: Page 58
WO letter of 5-8-04 (in 68/SA/5427) to GOC South Africa (Pretoria) enclosing copy letter from the Secretary of State for the Colonies to the Governors of Cape Colony and Natal dated 29-7-04 which states as follows:-
"After full consideration of the circumstances, the Army Council have decided that they cannot go beyond the terms of Sir N Lyttelton's recommendation viz; that no Medals be issued to natives of SA (including Cape Boys) except in very special cases, at the discretion of the Lt General commanding. Such cases would include those of scouts who have shown conspicuous courage or skills and similarly men in other departments whose names have been brought to notice for exceptionally good work."
"Bronze Medals only, not silver, are issued to natives who are considered deserving"
Lt Gen Lyttleton's letter 20/2/04.
The recommendation on which the above decision is founded are contained in a letter to the WO dated 31st Oct 1901 from Lt Gen the Hon N G Lyttleton, GOC Trans and Orange River Colonies in which he differentiates between African Natives and Natives of India and gives reasons and explanations. It will be found in 68/SA/4237, date of Registry 26.10.01. Closed 11.5.07, marked 'Important'.
Mem. dated 23-3-04 signed by Major Edward Lovegrove, OC, Discharge Deport, Cape Town (in 68/SA/4696/04) to POO Woolwich, and in his own handwriting:
"There are eight Corps to whom Bronze Medals are to be issued - ruling by GOC South Africa, confirmed by the War Office:
1. Settle's Scouts
2. Border Scouts
3. Border Scouts, 8th Squadron
4. Bushmanland Borderers
5. Clanwilliam Convoy Guard
6. Herschel Native Police
7. 1/Namaqualand Border Scouts
8. 2/Namaqualand Border Scouts
In the above names Corps, the officers and white NCO only are to receive the silver medal."
