TOPIC:

I bought these medals a while ago and await their arrival from South Africa. Does anyone have any info on his FID service? I don't think attestation papers exist.

Rory
If you supply some details, I can see what the Buxton book says about him. I suppose enlistment papers exist somewhere but have never run across them.
Regards
IL.

Thanks in anticipation IL

As per the naming on the photos David provided above, he is Edu Willem Van Musschenbroek (or Eduard William or Edward Willem) - you take your pick as he was one of those gentlemen whose names were often corrupted by the authorities.

I have quite a bit of biographical info on him but the FID part is wanting. See the attached pages from the FID section on this site - he appears to have been linked to both the ASC and the Imperial Guides (this one could be very interesting). You will note the word "KEW" on the second attachment - this is an example of the clerks making a mess - the K is the last letter of his surname whilst the EW are his initials.

Any assistance gratefully appreciated.







Regards

Rory

Rory
Buxton's opus does not list a "E.W. Van Musschenbroek" but does list "Musschenbrock" (both A.W. and just W) under the Natal Corps of Guides). single clasp in each case (Transvaal and Belfast).
Could this be your chap?
Regards
IL.

He must be one and the same IL. Save for a son with completely different initials there are no other Van Musschenbroeks in the Boer War.

I sourced his Claim for Compensation documents from Pretoria - a lengthy document.... here is the page which, probably, gives a synopsis of his movements relating to his medals. I can find no trace of him in the Ladysmith Town Guard.



I have transcribed the relevant portion:

"2. What is your political status

I was born a Hollander – I came to Natal in 1882 and left for the Transvaal in 1895. I consider myself a British subject in Natal through long residence and I had a vote there in 1892 or 1893 in Upper Tugela but I have no papers of naturalisation – I left the Transvaal in August 1899 and served the military authorities in various capacities ever since, as Town Guard, A.S.C. Conductor, Guide and as Interpreter and assistant press censor – I took the oath of allegiance in Ladysmith in September 1899 on joining the Town Guard.

E. Van Musschenbroek"