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4386 TRANSPORT CORPORAL ALEXANDER MOIG: ROBERT'S HORSE

A modest jiffy bag dance took place at my residence last week, when this QSA arrived at my door. I was keen to acquire a medal to Robert's Horse, so this five clasp example was a welcome acquisition. Of particular interest was the rank of Transport Corporal which is not commonly encountered.
From a search of the rolls, I have found just four men of this rank listed as having served in Robert's Horse along with three Transport Sergeants.
I would assume that the responsibilities of this rank would have involved organising the details for the order of march for their columns and, no doubt ensuring that the horses were fit for arduous work on the veldt.
Perhaps one of our fellow forummers could please further enlighten us as to their duties.







QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL
CLASPS: CAPE COLONY/JOHANNESBURG/DIAMOND HILL/WITTEBERGEN/SOUTH AFRICA 1901
CONDITION: VGF. DARK TONING

I believe Alexander Moig was born in Scotland and at some point arrived to begin a new life in South Africa.
He attested to Robert's Horse on 28th March 1900 at Cape Town.
WO100/267 confirms entitlement to all five clasps and informs us that Alexander left the regiment on 2nd January 1901 time expired. He appears to have come through his military service unscathed.
Not long following discharge he married Nellie Knowles on 2nd October 1901.
Alexander Moig died on 2nd May 1953 reaching the good old age of 81. His Death Certificate says that he was a retired plumber living at number 68 Twenty-first Street, Parkhurst, Johannesburg. His cause of death was described as "cardio renal failure, contributory cause hypertension and uraemia.
Interestingly, in 1903, Alexander Moig submitted a compensation claim for property left on the Witwatersrand.
Whether he was successful with this action is unknown to me at the present time.
Again, I would thank anyone who might be able to add more to the duties of the rank Transport Corporal.
Many thanks for reading what I know about this veteran of Robert's Horse.

Thank you, Steve, for an excellent write-up of Alexander Moig. As you say, a very unusual rank on the medal.

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (3) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (25475 Corpl: N. F. Martin. Roberts Horse.)

QSA verified on WO100/267p132. SA01 indicated on WO100/267p163.

Served between July 1900 and October 1901.

Norman Frederick.

Hi David
 I found a Norman Frederick Martin 25475 Corporal .Roberts Horse.
Certainly doesn't look like Frederick. However, looking at the nominal rolls I found similar handwriting of Fs and Ks.

Regards

Dave

Looks like you found Frederick also.

Dave,

I was confused by his middle name so thank you for confirming it.

Best wishes
David