I have the following group of medals to a Frederick Crawley who served with the units mentioned below:
Trooper, Natal Troop in Matabele Rebellion
Corporal, Durban Light Infantry, Anglo Boer War
2nd Class Trooper, South African Constabulary, Anglo Boer War
Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, 1st Battalion, Scottish Horse, Anglo Boer War
Trooper, Natal Cabineers, Natal Rebellion
- British South Africa Company Medal 1896 to the Natal Troop (N.T.)
- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Relief of Ladysmith and Transvaal to the Durban Light Infantry (D.L.I.)
- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps South Africa 1901 and Transvaal to the South African Constabulary (S.A.C.)
- Natal Rebellion Medal with clasp 1906 to the Natal Carbineers
Now for the question - a while ago I was given a book entitled Reminiscences of the Siege of Ladysmith by W.H. Smith (published by C.W. Budge & Co., Ladysmith in 1937) I have never seen this book for sale or anywhere else and was given it by Smith's grand daughter.
On page 5 of the book, which is in diary form, and under the date 2nd November the following is quoted which I think has reference to my guy Crawley:
"..... About 2 p.m. I answered a call on the down line instrument and got the message: "Here Cpl. Crawley, with a patrol of 10 men of the D.L.I., at Pieters station, can see Boers in strong force on hills." I knew Crawley well and was asking him for further information when he broke in with "Goodbye, we must be off; the Boers are coming." A moment later the line was cut, and that was the last word we had with the outside world for four months, excepting the heliograph or native runner....."
Was my chap the Cpl. Crawley? He was with the D.L.I. (the only Crawley on the roll who was a Cpl with the RoL clasp) if so I was unaware that the D.L.I. was so close when the Siege started.
I would appreciate input from members please.
Regards
Rory
