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Henry John Fallows

Trooper, 3rd Class, South African Constabulary

- Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Transvaal, Orange Free State, SA 1901 & SA 1902 to 313 Tpr. H.J. Fallows, S.A.C.

Henry Fallow(e)s was born in Canal House, Foleshill Road, Coventry, England on 9 July 1880, the son of Joseph Fallows, a Canal clerk and his wife, Ellen, a Dressmaker. According to the 1881 England census he had 3 sisters and 1 brother.


Fallows at one of his daughter's weddings, together with Evelyn

By the time the Anglo Boer War came round in October 1899 he was a lad of 19 years and employed as a Timber Merchant’s clerk.

On his attestation forms (South African Constabulary Recruiting form) completed on 22 November 1900, he confirmed that he was single and gave his age as 20 years and 4 months. His father, J Fallows, was given as his next of kin with the address above. His height was given as 5 ft 7 inches, his weight as 125 lbs and his complexion as fresh. His eyes were described as hazel and his hair as dark brown. His general appearance was described as “smart” and he was regarded as a fair shot and a fair rider. The Medical Officer considered him “fit” for service.

Fallows also provided the names of a Vicar and of a City Councillor as his referees to character. They were, Mr. W.H. Batchelor Esq. a Councillor of the City of Coventry and Mr. F.M. Beaumont M.A., Vicar of Holy Trinity, Coventry.

On 11 December 1900 he completed and signed the Articles of Agreement form thereby attesting as a Trooper, 3rd Class, No. A313 in the South African Constabulary for a period of 3 years. Service was to count from 10 February 1901.

The South African Constabulary was formed in October 1900, when it was wrongly considered that the S.A. War was over, and served in the field until the close of hostilities, when the Corps took on the policing of the Orange River Colony (later again O.F.S.), the Transvaal and Swaziland.

In April, 1908, the S.A.C. was merged with the Transvaal and O.F.S. Police. Raised by Major General R.S. Baden- Powell, the corps was at first 6000 strong, rising by January, 1902, to over 10 000. Men were recruited in the Cape Colony, Natal, the United Kingdom and Canada, and a very good stamp of man was obtained. Nine officers and 85 men were killed in action, 213 all ranks wounded, and 274 died of sickness.

Fallowes was attached to No.3 Troop, Rustenburg which is from where he sent a letter to the O.C. No.3 Troop, A Division, S.A.C. referring to his letter dated 22 September wherein he requested discharge from the South African Constabulary. He indicated that he was prepared to pay the 15 pounds for early release and provided the following 3 reasons for his request:

1. I wish to start business at Durban.

2. I signed on under the condition that after the war was over I could purchase my discharge on payment from the Constabulary.

3. In civil life I have better prospects than I ever should have in the S.A.C.

The above letter was forwarded to the Inspecting Major by a Lt. Walters at Brakfontein with the following comment: “The tone of this man is such that a little lesson in patience would be likely to do him good”. This response was no doubt generated by Fallowe's last comment which insulted the S.A.C. to a degree.

A memorandum from “A” Division, S.A.C. Headquarters at Potchefstroom was sent to O.C. 3 Troop on 27 November 1902 agreeing to Fallows’ discharge on payment of the 15 pounds which was to be sent directly by the Divisional Paymaster.

This led to his discharge from the S.A.C. at Rustenburg with his character being described as Very Good. Fallows was awarded the Queens South Africa Medal (Q.S.A.) with 5 bars namely: Cape Colony, Transvaal, Orange Free State and the 2 state bars,1901 and 1902.

Shortly thereafter a letter from Fallows was received by the Chief Staff Officer, S.A.C. stating that, having served in the S.A.C. from February 1901 to December 1902, he would like to know to whom he must apply to be awarded the South African War Medal to which he was entitled. The address on the letter was c/o Mr. Gibson, Silver Avenue, Greyville, Durban

On 22 October 1903 he was sent the Queens South Africa medal with 3 clasps from S.A.C. Headquarters at Auckland Park He signed the confirmation slip that he had received on the 26 October 1903. The 2 subsequent clasps, 1901 and 1902, were issued to Fallows off a Supplementary Roll.

On 5 April 1909 he entered into a civil marriage with Evelyn Madeley. The Marriage Certificate denoted that he was a Clerk by occupation.

Fallows passed away on 23 December 1943, aged 63 year 5 months, at the Johannesburg General Hospital. He was survived by his spouse, Evelyn and five children, Reginald Percy Fallows; Henry Madeley Fallows; Leslie Joseph Fallows; Evelyn Sheila Gladys Sands and Cyril John Fallows. His occupation was given as Clerk/Cashier with Thos. Barlow and Sons (SA) Ltd. and at the time of his death the family were resident at 161 Seventh Ave. Highlands North, Johannesburg.

He left behind a Terraplane car, registration number TJ 20756.

Thank You Rory...… Nice pictures with this great piece of research...… Mike