TOPIC:

Not setting off for SA until April 1900, George must have gone out as reinforcement/draft as the 37th Battery RFA went to SA in November 1900 as shown by this press cutting from the Manchester Evening News of 13th November 1899



This is the write-up they get on this site:

"A howitzer battery.

"Was for a time in the Rensburg-Colesberg district. Thereafter, early in 1900, was taken to the Warrenton-Boshof district, and afterwards farther east. Was in numerous engagements under Lord Methuen. A section accompanied him in the pursuit of De Wet in August 1900, and long remained with him operating in the Western Transvaal (Lord Roberts' despatch of 10th October 1900, paras 22 and 39). In 1901 one gun was with Major General Babington in South-West Transvaal, one with Colonel Rawlinson's column, and one with Brigadier General Dixon, being with him in the fierce fight at Vlakfontein (see 1st Derbyshire Regiment). Part of the battery was for a time in 1901 operating in Cape Colony to assist in repelling the Boer invasion. In 1902 was part of a battalion of Mounted Rifles (see 87th Battery). One man was mentioned for, 'as a mounted rifleman, volunteering to carry a message through heavy fire'."

Thus I don't understand why the page of the QSA Medal Roll George appears on shows them all only receiving the the three state clasps.

Thank you very much for that Smethwick! It is incredible to see these documents. I do wonder how he was 'accidentally killed'? will probably never know, hopefully his family did at the time though. Thank you for taking the time to find this.

Laura

Thank you Smethwick, I did think this was a bit of a mystery, as I'd found that the 37th went out in November on The Antillian, but then when I read on his records yesterday it looked like he didn't go until April? so your answer clears that up, he went as part of reinforcement in April, not November, I don't know what ship he would've sailed on if in April? Trying to patch his story together is difficult, it's only for my family to read but I want it to be historically accurate. Thank goodness for this Forum! It remains a mystery why only 3 state clasps were mentioned.

Hello Laura

With regard to your relation George Prime and wondering how he was accidentally killed? The South Africa Field Force document records Bombardier Prime being accidentally shot. This is also reflected in Watts in Memoriam. The details of the shooting are not recorded. However, there were 33 incidents during the conflict attributed to soldiers being accidentally shot. Some down to hijinx, bravado, heat of battle and carelessness. There were also 260 personnel who were accidentally killed with no reason given. Alas, the reason behind his accidental shooting may never be known. It is possible a record somewhere deep in the Artillery archives or diaries from the conflict may hold an answer, but at present, being accidentally shot is the best I can do.



Information for you pertaining to George's clasp entitlement.

Cape Colony
A clasp inscribed "Cape Colony" will be granted to all troops in Cape Colony at any time between October 11th, 1899, and a date to be hereafter fixed, who received no clasp for an action already specified in the Cape Colony nor Natal clasps.

Orange Free State
A clasp inscribed “Orange Free State” will be granted to all troops in Orange River Colony at any time between February 28th, 1900, and a date to be hereafter fixed, who received no clasp which has been already specified for an action in the Orange River Colony.


Transvaal
A clasp inscribed "Transvaal" will be granted to all troops in the Transvaal at any time between May 24th,1900 and a date to be hereafter fixed, who received no clasp for an action in the Transvaal which has already been specified.



Actions within the areas.
 
Cape Colony

Mafeking – Defence and Relief
Kimberley – Defence and Relief
Belmont
Modder River
 

Orange Free State

Paardeberg
Driefontein
Wittebergen
Wepener
 
Transvaal

Johannesburg
Diamond Hill
Belfast


Best wishes

Dave.....

Thank you very much Dave for taking the time to research that for me and providing the information, I'm now studying the old maps to trace all the different places. A lot of action only to end up being accidentally shot poor man. His brother was my Great Grandfather. I'm hoping to visit the Regimental Museum in Salisbury at some point, I think that will be interesting. Thank you again for your help, very much appreciated!

Laura

Laura, I would suggest you seek the 37th Battery Digest, in case it has some details of George Prime's death. The Digest was a notebook filled in each day or so while in the field. Meurig Jones, a regular on the forum, was able to provide me with excerpts from Digests for several other Batteries, so he may be a good man to get hold of. I don't have his contact details at present.