TOPIC:

I was reading the obituary of J J Collyer, CMR, who died in 1941.



What is strange is that Collyer was not, as far as I can see, engaged at Wepener. His QSA on WO100/241p3 lists the clasps CC, Tr and Witt.

This is confirmed by the 1905 Army List:



John (Jack) Collyer joined the CMR as trooper in 1899 and, as corporal, was recommended for a commission. He was commissioned in the CMR and appears on the rolls as Captain. He served under Smuts and rose to the rank of Major General.

Very odd David.

Is his medal group extant?

Rory

No, not to my knowledge.

It sounds like the type of group that would be in the War Museum in Johannesburg.

David
Reading his obituary, ".... at the siege of Wepener …" can be taken two days. Either with the relief force or inside the perimeter. Of course, not all the CMR were inside the Wepener perimeter and it appears he was with the relief force. Perhaps "a correspondent" heard M/G Collyer reminiscing about the Wepener siege and made an understandable assumption.
Still, an interesting chap.
Regards
IL.

I'm inclined to go with you on this one IL. Because Wepener wasn't a "siege"no clasps were awarded to the relieving force ala Mafeking, Kimberley and Ladysmith.

Many men were disgruntled by this and claimed to have been at Wepener as opposed to in Wepener. Perhaps Collyer was one of themor, as you postulate, someone else claimed the honour for him.

Rory

Rory
Indeed, I may have overused the term "siege" in some descriptions I have made re the Wepener action/investment! However, it did feature many characteristics of a "siege" and I think many will always regard it as such.
Such a great clasp to see on a QSA - knowing what it took to be awarded to a chap. Along with "Relief of Mafeking", "Wepener" are personal favourites.
Keep writing, Rory - you do excellent posts.
Best Regards
IL.