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Good morning Brett,
My interest here was just the fact that this ABO should not have been issued as he was clearly not entitled to receive one, however, the main point for me, with this story , is that he himself did not try and claim it.
It is still a very nice nice medal for a Boer War collector to have, Mike, the thing I noticed upon looking at the Canadian Scouts roll is that their Burghers are clearly indentified as such and are actually given that title rather than Trooper.
Kind regards Frank

Brett Hendey wrote: Thanks to the contributors to this thread, we have another indication of the sad and divisive, but nevertheless interesting effects that this war had on the inhabitants of South Africa. The researches of medal collectors has revealed many fascinating stories that might otherwise have remained hidden.

Mike
Like Frank, I have a particular interest in Menne's Scouts, so I noted the two Du Plessis' in the Canadian Scouts with earlier service in Menne's Scouts. They were presumably kin (?brothers) because of their identical service records. There must be an interesting story to be uncovered here as well.

Brett

Good Morning Frank and Brett.....

First of all I must say that I am sorry I made a mistake in my list I should proof read better than just cut and paste.....

The second name: DU PLESSIS, L.H., BURGER / NSN / 01-11-01 to 08-05-02 / Previous Service, None / QSA - OFS, TVL, 01, 02

Should have read No Previous Service.....

According to the Country of Origin breakdown of the Canadian Scouts there are 96 people listed as Boer Republics.....

Mike

Hi Mike,
I had not even looked at the Menne's rolls, was just interested in this ABO!
Regards Frank

QSAMIKE wrote: Good Morning Frank and Brett.....

First of all I must say that I am sorry I made a mistake in my list I should proof read better than just cut and paste.....

The second name: DU PLESSIS, L.H., BURGER / NSN / 01-11-01 to 08-05-02 / Previous Service, None / QSA - OFS, TVL, 01, 02

Should have read No Previous Service.....

According to the Country of Origin breakdown of the Canadian Scouts there are 96 people listed as Boer Republics.....

Mike

Henk,

Fascinating as always! I was aware that some of the irregular units (e.g. National Scouts) had recruited ex-burghers direct from the concentration camps but have not seen such definitive proof before.

The fact that he was in a concentration camp with his family rather than a prisoner of war camp makes me think that he 'hands-upped' voluntarily as opposed to being captured.

What's his Canadian Scouts number? Will be interesting to see what's on his attestation form and in the nominal roll.

Best,

Justin

Hello Justin.....

I have already checked him against the roll and in the book "Knowing No Fear" and all the men that were enlisted and had the rank Burger did not have any regimental / service numbers, shown as N.S.N......

Mike

Just found this entry about Barberton in a letter from the Provost Marshal in Pretoria to his wife, 10th July 1901:

"Some refugees being brought into Barberton displayed their feelings a bit, one lady seeing an officer shouted 'Hi Mr English officer come here', the officer did as he was bid, the sweet lady then proceeded to bash him over the head with a frying pan!"

Justin