TOPIC:

The South African magazine Magnum for November 2016 includes a short article entitled 'For King and Empire' by Phillip Hayes (p 55). This article stemmed from a visit by the author to Petrusville in the Northern Cape, where he came across the lonely grave of Lloyd Styles, FID, who was killed on 22 February 1902. The grave marker, which is in excellent condition, is the standard metal cross with the roundel headed "For King and Empire", followed by Styles' name, affiliation and date of death. The isolated location of the grave and the arid climate no doubt account for its preservation.

From local sources, Hayes discovered the story behind the grave. Styles was on a mission to summon reinforcements from Colesberg when he encountered Boers and was killed. Styles' body was tied to his horse and the horse was sent on its way as a warning to the British. British forces later found the horse, which was still carrying Styles' body, and he was buried where he still rests today,114 years later.

Brett

Afternoon Brett,
Those last few months, are, for me, at least, the most interesting and really the most brutal phase of the whole wretched affair, with so many unfortunate "acts" being committed on an almost daily basis, Watt, suggests this particular gentleman was exhumed at Houtkraal, your own thoughts eagerly sought via usual channels!
Regards Frank

Frank
I have e-mailed a copy of the article to you.
Regards
Brett

Hello Brett

Could I ask to check the date of death again? All other sources give it as 22 November 1901.

Regards
Meurig

Meurig
That is a puzzle! The date on the roundel is given as 22.2.02. I will e-mail a copy of the article to you, so you can add the photo of the grave to your records.
Regards
Brett

Thanks Brett - the grave marker is quite clear on the date, must be a horrible error on the part of the manufacturer. The Times reports his death as November 1901 which must be correct.