TOPIC:

Further to my post in respect of Nettelton here is a comrade of his who, as if to prove my assertion that the occupation was a dangerous one, was Killed in Action just days prior to Spionkop.

George Charles Robert Doble

Bearer, Natal Volunteer Ambulance Corp

- Queen's South Africa Medal with clasp Relief Of Ladysmith

Very little is known about the life of George Doble other than that it was reasonably short-lived.

Doble attested at Durban for service in the N.V.A.C. on 9 December 1899 and was deployed as a Stretcher Bearer.

He was Killed in Action on 20 January 1900, a mere 41 days later.

The circumstances surrounding his death are uncertain but what is known is that the NVAC, 4 days before the Spioenkop battle, were active in the vicinity in support of the British troops en route to relieve Ladysmith. The following is an account of the actions in the vicinity in the days up to and including Doble's death.

"The deliberate march of the British Army from Frere and the delay at the Drifts gave the Boers ample time to prepare for the attack. On January 19, on which day Warren moved to Venter's Spruit three miles from Trickhardt's Drift, they were in occupation of the whole line from Vaalkrantz to the Rangeworthy Heights. Fourie was in command of the left, Schalk Burger of the centre, which included the important features of Green Hill, Spion Kop, and the Twin Peaks; and L. Botha of the right,
in which was Bastion Hill.

There were two roads by which Warren could advance; one running by Fairview northwards from Trickhardt's Drift between Green Hill and Three Tree Hill, and the other eight miles longer by Acton Holmes. The length of the latter and a report from White that several commandos were on their way to Acton Holmes from Ladysmith, led Warren to adopt the former route.

He informed Buller of his decision, adding that certain "special arrangements" which he had made would oblige him to remain near Trickhardt's Drift, and that he must therefore have further supplies. The "special arrangements" were in fact the steps which every general would take before attacking a strong position not immediately accessible; namely to acquire ground from which it could be threatened and shelled. Clery was ordered to direct the operation, which Warren believed would entail "comparatively little loss of life."

Early on January 20 Clery with one brigade and artillery advanced up the re-entrant which springs from the river towards the east end of the Rangeworthy Heights, and posted his guns half way up the valley on Three Tree Hill. Hart, with a brigade of five battalions, was sent to occupy the irregular southern crest of the heights running from Three Tree Hill towards Bastion Hill. He drove the Boers out of their advanced trenches, but found that the northern and higher crest to which they had retired, could only be won by a frontal advance across open ground. He and his brave Irishmen were as ready as ever to push on in the line of the greatest resistance, but he was ordered by Clery to forbear. Meanwhile Dundonald, not deterred by the damping of his trek on the 18th, and while obeying an order from Warren to come to heel, seized Bastion Hill, thereby securing Hart's left flank on the crest. So far as they went, the operations of January 20 were successful. Warren's pivot movement was in train, the whole of his force was now threatening the Boer right which was widely extended but deficient in depth; and the day's casualties were few. Following the example of Buller, who delegated his authority to Warren, the latter entrusted the conduct of the day's operations to Clery, who in succession ordered the chief movement to be
carried out by Hart. Next day the mounted troops on Bastion Hill were relieved by infantry."

Doble was one of only 3 casualties that the NVAC had in the war. The unit appears to have been disbanded on 12 March 1900 with many of the remaining personnel joining the Imperial Bearer Corps.

Doble was awarded, posthumously, the Queen's South Africa medal with Relief of Ladysmith clasp. Something he never lived to see.