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Frederick Blessley

Wounded in Action at Bronkhorstspruit on 17 August 1901

Corporal, South African Constabulary – Anglo Boer War

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 & 1902 to 176 3RD CL: TPR: F. BLESSLEY, S.A.C.

Fred Blessley, after the rigours of the Boer War, proved to be a controversial and outspoken figure in the years following his return to England.

Born in Portsmouth, Hampshire on 3 January 1870 to Henry Blessley, a Music Writer and Seller employed by Her Majesty’s Dockyard, and his wife Eliza, he was just over the age of 1 when the 1871 census enumerator called round at 325 Commercial Road, Portsea, Portsmouth. Apart from his parents he was joined in the nursery by 2 year old sister, Margaret. A domestic servant, Fanny Smith saw to the needs of the small family who were obviously reasonably well-off.

Ten years later, at the time of the 1881 England census, the family were still at the same address; in fact the only discernible change in their circumstances was the addition of siblings Kate, 9 and Harriet, 7 to the mouths to be fed. Melinda Quick was now the domestic servant in attendance. Fred was an 11 year old schoolboy.


Henry Blessley was a socially-aware man who inspired his son to be likewise.

When the 1891 England census came round, a 21 year old Fred was still under his parents’ roof. He had joined what was now very much a family business, fulfilling the role of Pianoforte Tuner and Music Instructor. His father was now in business for himself and had added books to what he offered the public. There had been no additions to the family with all siblings now involved in the selling of music.

Life wasn’t without a bit of adventure for Blessley – the Portsmouth Evening News of December 28th, 1894 reporting under a heading “ Doubt in the Case” as follows: -

“Edward Watts, of Redlands Farm, was summonsed for trespassing in the daytime upon land in the occupation of Frances Wyatt on the 28th of January in search of game. In consequence of a number of wires being found about the premises, watch was kept on the day in question, and after a hare had been found in a wire by Frederick Blessley and the complainant’s son, it was taken out and laid near the same spot.

The defendant soon afterwards got over the fence and took the hare, with which he ran away when pursued by Blessley; but he ran into the arms of the complainant’s son. The defendant said that he saw the two that were watching, and that he had picked up the hare to take to them. The Magistrates had some doubt as to who had set the wire and dismissed the case.”

There was little else to disturb the equanimity of his life but that was about to change as the 19th century wound to its end. Rumblings and rumours of impending war which had begun to emanate from faraway South Africa now began to gather pace. The two Boer Republics of the Transvaal and Orange Free State delivered an ultimatum to Britain demanding that Imperial troops be removed from their borders – failure to do so, and comply with other demands made, would be a declaration of war.

The ultimatum ended on 11 October 1899 and, as anticipated, went unanswered. The world woke up to war on the morning of 12 October with Boer Commandos, already mustered and prepared, crossing over the borders into the Crown Colonies of Natal and the Cape. British troop numbers on the ground, augmented as they were with Colonial volunteers, were hopelessly inadequate to stem the tide and a number of military reverses were experienced in what became known as Black Week at the end of December 1899.

The call went out for men additional men to be sent to the front. The Imperial Yeomanry was created as a result as was, at a later stage, the South African Constabulary, the brainchild of Colonel Baden-Powell. Recruiting posters for men to join the ranks of this para-military force – which was to fulfil a dual role, part policeman and part soldier – went up throughout the Empire.

One of those who responded was Frederick Blessley. Like many young men in Victorian England, he was already part of a Militia structure where basic drill, discipline and other military skills were imparted for a few hours a week. The Hants and Sussex News of 12 December 1900 – 14 months after the commencement of hostilities – included a report which, under the headline “Volunteer Musketry” informed its readers that, ‘The annual musketry report of the 3rd (Duke of Connaught’s Own) V.B. Hants Regiment shows that 43 percent of the trained Volunteers of the battalion are marksmen. The report contains reference to the shooting of the Battalion while in camp at Bisley. There were, of course, the best marksmen of their respective Companies and the premier shots in the other Companies are: A Company, Private F. Blessley; 94.”

As can be deduced, Blessley was no mean shot with a rifle, something which stood him in good stead when, on 3 December 1900, he completed the Candidate Application Forms for service with the South African Constabulary at New Barracks, Gosport. Confirming that he was now 30 years old and single; he added that he was a Pianoforte Tuner and Repairer by trade. Physically he was 5 feet 10 inches in height and weighed 136 lbs. He had a fresh complexion, blue eyes, and light brown hair. He claimed to be fluent in English and partly in French and Latin. By way of referees he mentioned Captain A. Wyatt, Adjutant of the 3rd Hants. Volunteer Battalion and Major Bevis, Adjutant of the 1st Hants. R.E. (Vols.)

By way of previous military service he claimed 4 years in the 1st Hants. R.E. (as a Sapper since 1892) and stated that he was presently with A Company of the 3rd Hants V.B., where he was the Best Marksman (something confirmed by the previous newspaper report). Blessley’s chances of enlistment were almost scuppered by poor eyesight – there is a comment, in his writing, at the bottom of his forms which reads, “The defective vision of left eye referred to in the Medical Certificate of the recruit is the result of an accident when a child. I cannot distinguish the dots of the military test with it but can tell the number when fingers are held up and can read large print.”

The Medical Certificate he referred to had stated that, “The abovenamed I find physically fit, but defective vision of left eye, severe scar on left upper arm from abscess, but no detriment to use.”

Having been accepted, Blessley sailed for South Africa where, on arrival, he was despatched to Heidelberg in the Transvaal where, on 12 March 1901, he completed the Attestation papers for the South African Constabulary. With service to count from 10 February 1901, he signed on for 5 years service with the guarantee of a free passage home afterwards.

Assigned no. C176 and the rank of 3rd Class Trooper, Blessley diligently went about his duties.

Some six months after entering the war Blessley was Wounded in Action at Bronkhorstspruit on 17 August 1901. A newspaper report, dated 24 August 1901, carried some detail of the action under the banner, “SURPRISE OF A BOER LAAGER” and read as follows: The following telegram from Lord Kitchener has been received at the War Office.

“Pretoria, August 19th.
“August 18th – Yesterday a party of South African Constabulary and Morley’s Scouts, about 150 strong, under Captain Wood, reconnoitring towards Bronkhorstspruit from their line of posts south of Elands River, surprised strong Boer laager, near Middlesburg (sic), killing 23.

Owing to greatly superior strength enemy, estimated 600 to 800, Captain Wood was unable to follow up success, and during retirement lost 1 killed, 6 wounded, including Captain Morley severe, and 14 missing; all ranks behaved splendidly, and enemy must have lost more than 23 seen dead.”


Fight at Middelbult

A more detailed account appeared in “After Pretoria: The Guerilla War,” pages 643/644. It read thus:

“The Action at Middelbult – After this march Benson returned to Carolina and should have moved west to deal with a force of Boers which was concentrating to the east of Springs. Unfortunately, he did not understand that the orders were urgent , and so failed to arrive in time.

The first troops to come into contact with the enemy in this quarter were the men of a patrol of South African Constabulary and Morley’s Scouts, who suddenly found themselves face to face with a strong force at Middelbult. They did the wisest thing under the circumstances by attacking at once, and though the Boers were much superior in numbers, 23 burghers were killed and 11 taken prisoners by a sudden rush.

But the British were so weak that it was not to be expected that the enemy would allow them to get away when their force had been ascertained. The Boers rallied, assumed the offensive, and drove the British back to Bronkhorstspruit, recapturing the prisoners and taking 14 of the Scouts who were friendly burghers, and who, it is to feared, were shot. In addition, 5 men were killed or wounded. This affair took place on August 17.”

Blessley’s recovery from his wounds would have been made easier when word reached him that, with effect from 1 October 1901, he had been promoted to 1st Class Trooper (Lance Corporal). This was followed by promotion to Corporal on 1 May 1902. He was also, apparently visited by Lord Kitchener in hospital, whilst recovering from his wounds.

Two weeks later, on 14 May 1902, a Court of Enquiry assembled at No. 7 General Hospital, Pretoria, to investigate the circumstances under which No. 176 Corporal F. Blessley, sustained an injury. The President, Major Evans-Lombe, assisted by two officers, proceeded to take evidence:

“Blessley stated that: Near Naauwpoort, Groot Oliphants River, about the 10th March 1902, I was out on patrol. My horse put his foot in a hole and fell on me, injuring my knees. I went sick. I was on duty at the time.”

There being no further evidence obtainable, the Medical Evidence was consulted. This read: -

“Certified that No. 176 Trooper F. Blessley was admitted to No. 2 General Hospital suffering from synovitis of the knee, which is of a severe nature, but not likely to interfere with his future efficiency as a soldier.”

Dr. Evarard, the medico in charge of the case, was likely forced to eat his words a few months later as Blessley didn’t improve as we will see. The Court of Enquiry found that, “I am of opinion that this man sustained this injury whilst on duty, and under circumstances beyond his control.” This verdict was confirmed by both Major General Barton and General Baden Powell himself.

On January 12th, 1903, a Memorandum was sent from the Medical Officer to the Staff Officer, “C” Division, the contents of which made for disturbing reading: -

“I regret to inform you that No. C176, Corporal F. Blessley is dangerously ill. Disease: Tubercular Disease, knee joint. Please notify Chaplain.” Did this indicate that Blessley was about to shuffle off this mortal coil? Not just yet it seemed, as a follow-up Memorandum, dated 23 January 1903, read, “Please have Corporal Blessley taken off the “Dangerously Ill” list.”


Dangerously Ill Memorandum

But he wasn’t quite out of the woods yet - on 4 March 1903, a Detailed Medical History of an Invalid was completed in respect of Blessley. Confirming that his Conduct was Very Good, his Habits Regular and his Temperance Temperament; the report went on to discuss the Tubercular Disease of the Left Knee Joint which afflicted him. The date of origin of the condition was assessed as:

‘Uncertain. Probably arose in a subject with a predisposition to tubercule as an after effect of an injury received about the 10th March 1902. Evidence of predisposition slight. Family history, an aunt, his father’s sister, died of Phthisis. No other relatives he knows of have been affected. Has several scars on his left arm, evidence of old disease, when he was 13 or 14 years of age – probably of a tubercular nature.
Present condition: Left leg has been amputated in the middle of the thigh. Flaps perfectly healed, leaving a strong stump. The result of service. Climate had no effect.’

The medical treatment leading up to the loss of his leg was as follows: -

‘Rest in bed. Splints to injured limb. Collections of pus formed around the joint which were aseptically evacuated. Sinuses formed and the joint became disorganised. No improvement taking place and the patient feels poorly – it was decided to excise the joint. This was done on 31st December 1902. A large abscess cavity was found at the lower end of the femur, and the whole joint affected with tubercular disease. After the operation the patients general condition showed no signs of improving and the wound showing no tendency to heal, amputation was performed on 15 January 1903.’

The original injury to his knee had, quite obviously, rendered him unfit for service. On 1 November 1902, several months after the end of the Boer War, he was transferred from No. 18 Troop to the Wakkerstroom District, close to the Natal border. On 1 February 1903, despite the loss of his leg, he was posted to No. 15 Troop, but this was precursor to his permanent discharge from the S.A.C. – the Medical Board recommending this, at Heidelberg on 4 March 1903.

Where to for Blessley now? He had survived the war but wasn’t coming away unscathed. Having been invalided out of the S.A.C. on 10 May 1903 with a Very Good character rating and 2 years and 90 days service, he sailed for home – back to the house at 325 Commercial Road, Portsea with which he was so familiar. One could almost expect him to fade into the background once he had resumed his trade as a Piano Tuner but this was not what Blessley was all about. He was a man who enjoyed championing a cause and tilting at windmills and the first sign of his growing social activism came courtesy of a letter he wrote which appeared in the Evening News of 1 February 1911. Under the banner “Improper Picture Postcards and Children” he wrote to the Editor thus: -

“Sir – The letters of “Rex” and “S.H.” are probably characteristic of the gentlemen who wrote them. Neither has the pluck to sign his name in full, and their dual conception of sportsmanship is to snipe and sneer at the Reverend Robert Hern from good cover.

No level-headed adult has any reason to fear contamination from exhibitions of indecency whether it be on a postcard or any other form. But it requires a peculiarly irresponsible temperament to enjoy the sight of boys and girls just out of school giggling and gloating round the windows where these questionable pictures are exhibited for sale. Most of us prefer to see white children with manners to match their skins.”

The above letter almost coincided with the visit of the enumerator for the 1911 census. This found Frederick, 41 and a Musical Instrument Dealer working from home, at 325 Commercial Road along with his sisters Margaret and Harriet. All the above were firmly bachelor and spinsters and were assisted in the home by Eliza Lavender, their general servant.

Another cause, dear to his heart was the fledgling Suffragette Movement and he was prepared to do more than just take up verbal cudgels on their behalf – the Suffragette of 27 June 1913 carried the story: -

“Protest at Portsmouth – At Portsmouth Police-Court on June 19, Mr Frederick Blessley was fined for breaking a window of the Town Hall Police Station, doing damage to amount of 12 shillings. Asked if he pleaded guilty, the prisoner replied, “I had a purpose in doing it.”

The defendant proceeded to state that thirteen years ago he was in South Africa getting the vote for the Uitlanders with magazine rifles, and he felt much more keen about getting votes for British women than he did for those “German Jews.” When the women, some of whom he knew, were found guilty at the Old Bailey that was the last straw with him. He admired them very much, and he thought they were entitled to have the vote. They set a store on breaking windows, and he broke the window to show his sympathy. He had assisted by speaking at meetings, but he thought he ought to do something more.”

The Bench ordered the prisoner to pay £1 – 12 shillings. The money was paid.”

Still carrying the flag for the Suffragettes he next wrote to the Editor of the Portsmouth Evening News; his letter being published on 13 August 1913. It read, “The Hampshire Men’s Deputation”

“Sir, the fears of your correspondent “Come over here,” for the position of Man when Woman gets the vote are touching. But the prospect will become less terrible as he thinks more. At any rate, it is remarkable that so many men emigrate from our dear old Anti-Suffrage land to Colonies where women already have the vote. And, what’s more, they usually stop there.

We may take it that “Come over here” will oppose suffrage for women. By resolutely refusing fair play to those who are born female, he is determined to preserve his status as a Lord of creation! On the whole, Sir, your correspondent’s letter had left me pessimistic. I confess. While men indulge in such crude ideas and callow reasoning, what possible chance has our sex against the women?”

Just as his acquaintances thought they would never see the day, Blessley surprised everyone by taking a bride. This great event took place in the Parish Church, Portsmouth on 16 May 1916 Blessley, now 46, married Dulcie Stretton Gunner, a 31 year old lady from Portchester and the daughter of a retired Colonel. Blessley’s address was the Soldier’s Institute, Portsmouth.

Ever the one to swim against the tide, Blessley took a pot at the aviation industry. The Birmingham Gazette of Saturday, 1 September 1928, carried an article entitled “Terrorised by Low Flying – Villagers Put up Poles – “Manslaughter Possibility” in which Sir Sephton Brancker, Director of Civil Aviation was confronted at a hearing in Southampton into complaints about low flying by members of the Hants Light Aeroplane Club whose aerodrome is at Hamble.

“Mr F. Blessley said that the villagers are terrified of the low flying. If they had to choose between danger to their families and danger to the pilots they would choose the latter. Mr Blessley said that he intended to erect another flag pole which he would connect with that in Mr Findlay Smith’s garden.

Sir Sephton Brancker interrupted him saying that such action would be extremely dangerous. He was not sure that Mr Blessley would make himself liable to a charge of manslaughter in the event of a fateful accident.”

What gave rise to the above hearing was a report that “Miss A.B. Grace, daughter of Rear-Admiral Grace had collided with a flag pole at Hamble in an aeroplane and was at home recovering from shock and bruises.”


Blessley in 1934 as a candidate for council

Being very civic-minded, it came as no surprise that Blessley entered the murky world of politics – the Hampshire Advertiser and Southampton Times of 24 February 1934 reported on the County Council Contest between Mr E.F. Usborne and Mr F. Blessley. Of Blessley it was said: -

‘Mr Frederick Blessley, who lives at One Tree Cottage, Hamble (my note: according to local lore, Blessley named his cottage “One Tree” because of his “one leg”), has been a member of the Hamble Parish Council for six years, and has taken a prominent part in local affairs during the last few years. He is particularly interested in matters affecting rights of way and commons.

Mr Blessley helped in the “Votes for Women” campaign. He went through the Boer War and was wounded. He was under Lord Baden-Powell. At the end of the Great War he was elected Chairman of the Discharged Sailor’s and Soldier’s Association. He is a native of Portsmouth and a trustee of the Unitarian Chapel, and for some time was secretary of the Labour Party and the Fabian Society.” No record exists as to who the winner was.

Blessley’s presence in the public eye faded as he advanced in years. According to the 1939 Register he was 69 years old and still living at One Tree Cottage with his wife and 17 year old son Richard, who was an Aircraft Fitter. Fred Blessley passed away at the grand old age of 91 at the General Hospital, Southampton on 7 November 1961. He left effects of £631 his son.

Rory
What a fantastic research job
I only hope that some of his family descendants are around to learn about his very active life.
Thanks
Clive

A fascinating character Rory. Thank you for sharing his story with us.
Cheers Steve