TOPIC:

Rory,

The 1st February 1902 incident is variously described as having occurred at Baroda, Marlow and the 188 1/2 mile marker. It would be useful to know what the origin point was for the railway distance in this case. I suspect it was Port Elizabeth.
There are also varying descriptions of what actually happened that night. The Western Times, 29 May 1936, p. 6, carries a long interview with DAW, where he relates his experiences during the war. Below is the section relating to the "Baroda" incident:





Date of incident: 01/02/1902
Location of incident: Marlow / Baroda
Number presented: 4

Silver keyless watches, to:


Cape Government Railways (Traffic Department) –
Station-master George Henry DAW
Engine Driver R. HAMPTON
Guard R. LEE
Fireman J. LEITH

Note on medal roll (for Station-master DAW): "Awarded silver watch for courageous conduct in connection with burning of train by Boers near Baroda on 1/2/02".

Note on medal roll (for Guard LEE): "Awarded silver watch for courageous conduct in connection with burning of train by Boers near Marlow on 1/2/02".

Note on medal roll (for Driver HAMPTON & Fireman LEITH): "Working train fired on, captured, and burnt by Boers at 188 1/2 miles, 1.2.02 and received recognition from Government for coolness and courage shewn on that occasion".

"They [the Boers] started the engine at full speed, hoping it would crash into and wreck the armoured train. The guard and the driver and myself were awarded silver watches". Between them, these three men managed to halt the engine just outside the station, thus preventing a collision (Western Times, 29/05/1936).

Western Times, 29/05/1936
WO 100/279, 07/10/1904
WO 100/279, 25/01/1905


,,,

The 1936 Western Times piece includes a portrait of George Henry DAW





,.,,

The return posted by capepolice shows that George Henry DAW was Station Foreman at Conway. Below is a map showing the location of Baroda in relation to Conway. Baroda is about 20 miles south of Conway Station, on the Cradock - Middelburg line. ©2022 AfriGIS (Pty) Ltd.

And a second map showing the stations on the Cradock - Middelburg line, including Marlow, Baroda and Conway. ©2022 Mapcarta / mapbox







,,,,

Thank you for your efforts Trevor. I had the Western Times report etc. from Ancestry and have made contact with a relative - hopefully the lady will return my message. I am very appreciative of the maps you provided - they give much needed context.

Daw's probate file mentions that the family sold the farm on his death and returned to England - I will try and track them down - who knows, perhaps they still have the watch.

Regards

Rory

Glad to be of help Rory,

Regards,

Neville (not Trevor!)

Apologies Neville.