TOPIC:

Dear Forum,

Thank you for allowing me to join this group. I’ve long been fascinated by the Boer War and was very pleased to discover this forum.

I’m hoping a kind member might be able to assist me with a research project related to a soldier I’m trying to learn more about: 3635 Cpl. Alfred Brookes, 1st Battalion Manchester Regiment. He was awarded both the Distinguished Conduct Medal and was Mentioned in Despatches for his service in South Africa. I have already gathered some basic details kindly provided by a medal expert, including London Gazette references and information on the bars for his Queen’s South Africa Medal.

I would be extremely grateful if any regimental experts, or others with knowledge of the period, could point me towards a service record, relevant regimental history, or any other sources that may shed light on his service. I’m particularly eager to understand what action his DCM was associated with, even though I realise there are often no formal citations for the award. Any clues, general context, or additional information would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you kindly for any help you can provide.

David
Canada

Hi David
Welcome to the forum.
For your records ref service record.





Regards

Dave......

Just made my Day!! Awesome thanks Dave so much!!

David71
Unfortunately, the standard work "Recipients of the Distinguished Conduct Medal" by P.E. Abbott gives no details of the action(s) for which your man was decorated. There is a regimental history of the Manchesters; "History of the Manchester Regiment" vol 2 1883 - 1922 - however it might be generalised regarding the period in which you are interested.
The Military History sheet kindly provided by Dave F may give you a clue in your research. Under the heading Medals, Decorations and Annuities is the notation "Dis Con medal 29.11.00". That very likely is a clue in your search. A search in the general histories (Amery/Maurice) for the 4th Div., M.I. around that date might help.
Good luck with your quest.
Regards
IL.

Dear IL,

Thanks so much for your very interesting and welcome reply. I’m going to try and somehow find the regimental history!

Please excuse my ignorance as I have couple questions - Is 29.11.00 the date of the action? As the LG for the DCM is different.
And what is the 4th Div. M. I., as I thought he was with the Manchester Regt.?

Thank you again for the information,

David

David71
Let's see what we have. The DCM book by Abbott tells us that your 3635 Cpl. A. Brookes of the Manchesters was awarded a DCM and that the notification of that award was made in the London Gazette of 27/9/1901 and announced in Army Order No.15 of 1902. The way the system worked (and hopefully still does) was that a deed or service (gallantry or good work) performed in the field is notified "up the line" by a superior and eventually gets to the C-in-C; who may "mention" the person in his Despatch - which is almost inevitably some time after the deed/service was performed.
In the case of your man, Lord Roberts' Mentions of 4/9/1901 shows "A. Brooks, Manchester Regt." under the heading "Mounted Infantry, NCOs and men". Please note that slight mis-spelling of names did happen occasionally. In the list of Army Honours and Promotions, your man of the Manchesters is shown as being awarded the DCM (he is still "Brooks" and in the M.I.).
My suggestion that the date 29/11/1900 shown in your man's mil. history sheet is likely the date of his deed is that that date predates his "Mention" by Lord Roberts by some time. Hence, an investiation of just what the 4th Div. M.I. were doing around the end of November 1900 might bear fruit.
It may interest you to know that circa 1882 onwards, certain men were selected from their infantry bns to attend the Aldershot barracks for ten weeks' MI training - where they could form - if needed - an MI section/company in their Bn. Your man Brooks did attend the Aldershot course in 1896. When the ABW became a war of mobility, the M. I. coys were formed into battalions and became the work-horse of the army. And a very effective one it was.
I trust that I have not confused you with what I have written in this answer. The subject of the M.I. in the ABW needs a book all in itself - which it will never get these days.
Regards
IL.