TOPIC:

Justin : Thanks for the umpteenth snippet of information that you have added to the files of recipients of medals in my collection over a period of more than 25 years!
Macdonald’s account differs from Hillegas, but I doubt the factuality!
I append the list of Boer Casualties at Elandslaagte, ex Vol II of Breytenbach : “Die Tweede Vryheidsoorlog”, published in 1949 (I got my copy as a Xmas present from my parents in 1950). These lists are not 100% correct : for instance Burgers W Kool and J W van Genne are listed as unwounded PoW’s, but I have their ABO’s with LvW Certificates. There are 3 Blignauts listed : PJ (should be PG) as KiA, PJ as wounded PoW and CE as PoW.
The microfilm record in the Transvaal Archives (appended) also list only PG as KiA, and the same applies to the recently updated Boer casualty returns done by the War Museum in Bloemfontein. I would think that the “blowing out brains” episode probably was journalistic sensationalism as there is not a second KiA Blignaut recorded for Elandslaagte !
The Blignaut family suffered another loss later in the war : the Commandant Blignaut, who was killed at Fort Itala on 26 Sept 1901, was PG’s eldest son. I am very privileged to also have his DTD and ABO in my collection.

Henk

Hi
I seem to have trouble adding multiple images : 2nd try!

Hi
I seem to have trouble adding multiple images : 2nd try!
Henk

3rd try
Henk

And the final one

Henk

Here we go again!