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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63782

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A Canadian at Wepener?

WO100/287p232 (2nd Royal Canadians) contains this entry for John Donald Mackay



The roll initially indicated the clasps CC, OFS and Tr but the note says 'wrote for return of OFS, 15 February 1905'. The Wepener clasp is then ticked to be added.

This is the only known Wepener clasp named to a Canadian unit and is surely a roll error.
Dr David Biggins
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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63783

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Around Wepener or in Wepener?

Another curious case is that of Lt Arthur Frederick Carlisle Williams, 1st Bombay Lancers. He was attached to Brabant's Horse and appears on the BrH roll but not for Wepener. He is listed as the sole entry on a separate roll for the 1st Bombay Lancers with Wepener now ticked so I think this is another roll error.

He was born 19 June 1876, son of G R C Williams, ICS, of The Ivy Gates, Guernsey, and of Mrs G R C Williams. He joined the 4th Queen's Own Hussars, as Second Lieutenant, 5 August 1896; became Lieutenant 4 August 1897; was transferred to the Indian Staff Corps 20 December 1897. He served in the Boer War, 1899-1900, as Adjutant, 2nd Brabant's Horse, and was dangerously wounded 3 July 1900. He took part in the operations in Cape Colony, south of the Orange River, December 1899 to March 1900; in the operations in Orange River Colony, May to July 1900, including actions near Wepener, Lindley and Bethlehem. He was mentioned in Despatches [LG, 16 April 1901]; received the QSA (3) and was created a DSO [LG 19 April 1901]: "Arthur Frederick Carlisle Williams, Lieutenant, Indian Staff Corps, Adjutant, Brabant's Horse. In recognition of services during the recent operations in South Africa". The Insignia were presented by His Majesty King Edward 20 July 1901. He became Captain, 31st (DCO) Lancers, 5 August 1905, and was employed with the Canadian Military Forces from 6 August 1910. He was promoted to Major, Indian Army, 5 August 1914. Major Williams served in the European War from 1914, as Brigade Major, GSO, 2nd and GSO 1st. From 1914 to 1917 he served in Belgium and France, and from 1918 in Italy. From 28 January 1916 to 13 February 1917, he was GSO2, 2nd Indian Cavalry Division; 5th Cavalry Division, British Expeditionary Force, 28 January 1916 to 13 February 1917; GSO2, 5th Division, British Armies in France, 14 February 1917 to 5 July 1917; GSO2, 14th Army Corps, British Army in France, 6 July to 30 July 1917; Temporary Lieutenant Colonel 1 July 1917; GSO1, 4th Division, British Armies in France, 31 July to 17 September 1917; GSO1 (Liaison Officer with the British Force in Italy 11 March 1918). In August 1916, he was awarded the Order of St Stanislas, 3rd Class. In 1907 he married Mabel, youngest daughter of Edward Franks, of The Priory, Bishop's Cleeve, Gloucestershire, and they had one daughter, and one son, born in 1914. The roll notes 'In action near Wepener under General brabant, 24th April 1900. With column under General Clements marching on Bethlehem. Dangerously wounded 3 July 1900 between Lindley and Bethlehem. Operations under General Brabant, Dordrecht, Jamestown, Aliwal North'. Medal received July 1901. Clasps issued 19 November 1901. The BrH roll also states he was invalided to England 4 July 1900.
Dr David Biggins

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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63785

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David
Sometimes I think that there must be nearly as many questionable "Wepeners" as genuine!
Palmer shows "Lt. Adj. A.F.C.Williams of 2 Brabant's Horse" as Dangerously Wounded at Erfenis, 3/7/00. ISC Attached. Well after the Wepener siege was raised.
Boer War Officer's Services shows "Williams, A.F.C. (Major, Indian Army)" and dangerously wounded with BH. DSO, etc.
Is Erfenis somewhere near Wepener? Meurig's Gazetteer does not have an entry for that town/location. Nor does the TH Vol. VII index or Maurice.
Stirling states that on the indicated date of 3/7/00, Lieut and Adjutant A.F.C. Williams was "shot through the lung" - but no location.
Best regards
IL.
IL.

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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63786

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Thanks, IL.

I do not know the exact location. His 1st Bombay Lacers entry says he was wounded between Lindley and Bethlehem.

Stirling says Brabant's Horse were involved in the capture of Bethlehem, 6th - 8th July and they had crossed the Zand River on 29th June so the engagement on 3rd July possibly took place north east of Senekal as they had incurred injuries around Senekal 26th to 29th June.
Dr David Biggins

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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63787

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Several papers carry news of the two casualties but none give a location.

Dr David Biggins
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QSAs with the clasp Wepener 4 years 10 months ago #63788

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Creswick, Vol 6 has the details


Dr David Biggins
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