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The S.A.C.'s Chief Armourer - W.S.T. Mark 11 years 5 months ago #14449

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William Sterling Thomas Mark

Sergeant Major Armourer, 12th Lancers and the Corps of Armourers and
Superintendent (Chief Armourer), South African Constabulary.

-Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 & 1902 to 39 Supt. W.T.S. Mark, S.A.C.

If William Mark ever felt aggrieved or hard done by after all his years of service he would certainly have had grounds to feel that way. After more than 26 years in uniform – at home, in India and in South Africa – all he was awarded was a single medal in recognition of his services in the Boer War. In an age when the Empire was almost always involved in one campaign or another and medals were freely available and given; he was short changed despite his commitment to Queen and country. Here is his story:

Early Years

William Mark was born in the Parish of Charlton in or near the town of Woolwich in the County of Kent on 9 May 1852. He was the son of John and Mary Mark. John Mark was a Gunner of Artillery living at 77 Soldiers Cottages in Charlton and most probably the John Mark who fought in the Crimea.

By the time of the 1861 England census the family had moved to Enfield Lock and an 8 year old William, the second youngest of seven children, was at home with his parents and siblings. John Charlton, now retired was a Clerk to the Chelsea Pensioners.
Of the family in 1871 there is no trace although there is a record of his father passing away in 1877 and his mother remarrying shortly thereafter.

First stint in uniform

Coming from a domestic situation where his father had served in the Artillery it probably came as no surprise to his family when William announced that he would be attesting for service with the colours as well. This he proceeded to do attesting for twelve years army service with the Corps of Armourers at Birmingham on 22 June 1875 joining not for bounty but for “free kit”. Providing his occupation as Gunsmith he was well suited for the corps he had chosen to join.

Physically the 23 year old Mark was 5 feet 5 inches in height with a fresh complexion, hazel eyes and dark brown hair. He had a scar on his right knee by way of distinctive marks and he was a member of the Church of England. Having been assigned no. 392 he was passed as Fit for service.

Promotion for Mark came swiftly, after a mere 123 days in the rank of Private his expertise was acknowledged and he was promoted to the rank of Armourer Sergeant on 22 October 1875. He was still in this rank when he was posted to the 12th Lancers on 5 September 1876.

Literally two weeks before he embarked with the Lancers for India he was married to Maria Jane Wells. This ceremony took place at St. James at Enfield Highway, Middlesex on 13 December 1876 and was witnessed by John Mark and the bride’s mother, Sophia Jane Wells.

The honeymoon was very brief; on 28 December 1876 Mark was aboard ship destined for the Far East, landing in India on 1 February 1877 after a 5 week voyage. That Mrs. Mark had followed her husband out can be verified by the places their children were born in over the next number of years. William Mark does not seem to have allowed his day job to get in the way of his marital responsibilities. First there was Grace Ellen, born at Boluram on 11 April 1879 followed by Charles George who saw the light of day for the first time on 23 March 1882 in Bangalore. Next was Maria Jane born on 16 November 1883. That Mark was stationed for the most part in Bangalore is proven by not only the fact that the two preceding children were born there but that they were followed by Alice Mary (31 August 1885) and Annie Edith (9 May 1887) in quick succession.

On 1 April 1883 Mark was promoted to 1st Class Armourer Sergeant in which rank he was re-engaged for the Corps at Bangalore on 12 January 1887 “for such time as he shall complete 21 years service”

After a lengthy spell of 10 years and 331 days in India he was sent back to England on 23 November 1887 when his youngest child (at the time) was six months old.

Back home he was promoted again, this time to Staff Sergeant Armourer on 16 November 1890 followed by a transfer to the Ordnance Store Corps at Woolwich on 25 February 1891.

Promotion to the rank of Sergeant Major (Warrant Officer) took place on 1 April 1892.

A further spurt of matrimonial excess had and was still taking place with William Stirling being born at Colchester on 26 April 1889 followed by Henry Richard on 5 July 1890, Ellen Ethel on 26 November 1892 and Reginald Wykes on 7 December 1894 – these last three all born at Taunton.

It was in the same year, according to the M.S.M. Book (Meritorious Service Medal) that the Chief Inspector of Small Arms submitted a request to the Director of Arms on 12 December for the award of the M.S.M. to Mark – the reply was as follows, “The Director of Arms working to the long list of Armourer Sergeants already noted, thinks no new names should be added at present, and that such applications had better stand over until say 12 months hence and must have at least 20 years service before being noted.” Mark as we have seen was only a few months shy of this stipulation.

In the meanwhile William Mark’s career was going on apace. On 21 February 1896 his terms of engagement were extended for another 5 years until 31 March 1902 and on 23 April 1897 he obtained a 1st Class Certificate of Education.

With the dawn of 1 June 1898 Mark was posted to the Army Ordnance Corps at Devonport for duty. Two months later, on 29 July 1898, he passed a Course of Instruction in Musketry which qualified him to instruct recruits on how to use their weapons.

South African Constabulary – a second military career

On 18 August 1901, with the Boer War in full swing and stranded at home in a Depot job in Devonport, Mark finally decided, after 26 years and 58 days, that enough was enough and seeing his only way clear to a bit of the action, he took his discharge from the Army. The Proceedings on Discharge form completed confirmed that a now 49 year old Sergeant Major Armourer Mark of the 17th Coy. Army Ordnance Corps (Armoury Section) had an exemplary conduct and character and was leaving in order to join the South African Constabulary as an Armourer. He was, despite the length of service he had seen as well as having been in India for 10 years, not eligible for any medals.

So ended the first chapter of William Mark’s long military career.

Leaving his wife Maria and their brood behind to live at 10 George Street, Devonport, William Mark betook himself to South Africa to catch, what was unbeknown to him or anyone else the last year of the Anglo Boer War. Fortunately for us he kept a journal of his trip out until he started work with the S.A.C. in Johannesburg. His own words (abbreviated in the interests of space) will now describe for us what emotions he underwent and what conditions were like on the trip out and his experiences on arriving in a strange land:

The Journal of William Stirling Thomas Mark, Chief Armourer, South African Constabulary. Southampton to Cape Town aboard the Dominion Line’s S.S. “Canada”.

Monday, 19 August 1901 – managed to miss the train by which I intended leaving Enfield Lock, which at first sight seemed rather serious, but was afterwards rather glad of, for it gave me some little time longer with my darlings, and did not make much difference in my arrangements, for got to Waterloo in plenty of time to catch the boat train. Left Waterloo 9.27 a.m., had very good company, two Chaplains, one Mr Bellamy, having been six years incumbent of a parish in suburbs of Johannesburg, which he had to leave on outbreak of war with the Boers. This gentleman gave me some useful information, one most important point being to wear my cholera belt at all times, and helped to cheer me great deal, for was not cheerful as may be readily imagined having just left my dear loving wife and children (who can say if ever to meet on earth again?)

Arrived Southampton docks 12 noon, saw the Hospital Ship “Maine” in dock. After securing berth ticket went on board “Canada” to survey same and was not favourably impressed with the accommodation. Three of us being put in a small berth which would about comfortably have served one, but one has to be content with small mercies where sleeping accommodation has to be provided for so many passengers.

The waiting was rather tedious, it taking a long time to get all the troops, baggage, stores etc. on board. Cast off at about 4.15 p.m. and amidst much cheering and waving of hats and handkerchiefs away we went down Southampton Water the quay with the assembled crowd being quickly lost to view. How glad I felt that my darling wife was not among that crowd, the trial of parting at the Lock station was heavy and sad enough, but to have seen her wistful look on that quay among the sorrowing weeping women there would have been more than I could have borne.

Got stuck on a mud bank and thought we should have to stick there until the next tide, but fortunately our splendid engines got us off after ten minutes struggle. Had a good view of the Forts around the Isle of Wight and quickly left the Needles behind. Turned into bed about 11 p.m. and slept the sleep of – well I won’t say just – but the just tired until 6 a.m. on the 20th Rose, had my first morning tub on board, very refreshing, had breakfast, and got on deck just in time to have a last glimpse of dear old England as we quickly passed Land’s End. Lovely morning, sea as calm as the River Lea, got a decent breeze up as we got into the ocean and the sea was most enjoyable. Soon as tea was over we were in good view of the coast of Ireland, and in a short time were steaming up Queenstown harbour, a charming sight, did not see as much of it as I wished being busy writing letters. Finished my letters about 8 p.m. went ashore with one of my berth chums (Crawshaw) had a walk round town, bought a pair of eyeglasses having left my own in the train, sampled some Dublin stout and returned on board just before midnight, turned in.

Wednesday, 21st – Rose 6 a.m. had bath, still at Queenstown, after breakfast went ashore for a walk round with Crawshaw, (have to be careful, C. like myself rather weak in company), had dinner ashore, went aboard, all troops from different parts of Ireland had been got on board while we were out. Sent silk handkerchiefs to Maria, Evelyn, Jennie and Jessie. Went on a jaunting car to hunt up some S.A.C. men supposed to be absent, found three. Captain in a stew, thought he had lost all 6 but the rest turned up after vessel had got away some time, some of them had not been off the vessel, Captain easy again. Left Queenstown shortly after 4 p.m. amidst cheering and some weeping from the Irish girls on shore. Some of them were losing their “bhoys”, the same “bhoys” having apparently had a good time ashore with the girls.

A man jumped overboard as we were leaving Queenstown, supposed to be a soldier but have heard it was a ships fireman. One man of the Welsh details remains absent in Queenstown. Everybody admired our vessel and said it was one of the prettiest they had seen sail into harbour, well she is a fine vessel without doubt, and is certainly the best I have been to sea on, though that does not go for much, I being a landlubber with limited knowledge of the sea and ships, but sufficient to tell when I am riding along comfortably. Soon after left the Emerald Isle n=behind and headed for Gibraltar, turned in at 11 p.m.

Tuesday, 22nd August - Turned out at 6.30 feeling rather seedy, had bath made a very poor fist at breakfast. Irish Stout sampling may be a very agreeable occupation at the time, but after effects bring sad reflections and swelled heads, besides an unlooked for and undesirable lowering of the funds. Lovely weather again, just sufficient motion in sea to make it agreeable. Saw shoals of porpoise this morning. After tea saw a monster which some people called a porpoise, but which the Chief Engineer told me was a bottle nosed whale, think it must have been the latter for it was a tremendous size. P.S. Concert on deck, two good turns, rest nowhere, one Irish Parson (Army Chaplain, of whom 13 or 14 aboard) very good.

Friday, 23rd – Turned out 5.30 a.m. bath, up on deck, foggy, sea like a sheet of glass, fog siren going at intervals. Good breakfast (all food up to present very good), feeling much better this morning. Fog gone, passed several vessels today. Young officers and ladies very frisky today, playing all sorts of games, round ring, skipping rope, tug of war, appear to be generally enjoying themselves. Prayer meeting 8 to 9 p.m. Parsons much in evidence, one speaker very prosy, one young Chaplain very good, gave us the old loving message in earnest eloquence. Troops very attentive, singing!!! Well we are not all Cathedral Choristers.

Saturday, 24th – slept very soundly last night not awakening till 6.30 a.m., hurried up for tub found had been forestalled by more alert chums, however managed it alright so as to be in good time for breakfast (food getting a bit worse every day as we get further from England). Think if I was a paying passenger as most of those in the 2nd Saloon are, should have something to say about it; appears to me we get the leavings from the 1st Saloon.

Steaming along quietly until suddenly made slight alteration in course, and in a moment the heights of Cape St. Vincent broke on our view, very fine it was too; for a moment before seeing the land there was nothing but a great white cloud to be seen, and only the sea birds laying round denoted land somewhere near.

Had chat with Chief Engineer (sound man the C.E., got in conversation with him second day, rather reserved at first but warms on further acquaintance.) and went down to see the engines, stoke hole, coal bunkers, refrigeration and electric lighting machinery.

Am thinking of my dear old Queen today, wondering if she is moving into her new house and if so how much I would like to be with (her) to assist, but I know there will be loving and willing hands to assist her and that is some comfort to me. My thoughts are so much with my loved ones tonight, as the vessel glides onwards taking me further away, and thoughts come into my mind, and a feeling of regret that I should have left them so far away, and that every moment separates us more and more. But away with regrets, I am I hope and trust going to make a good home for them.

10th September 1901 – Sighted land just as it was getting dark. Got into the bay and anchored down about 10 p.m. could see the lights of Cape Town and make out the shape of Table Mountain.

11th September – Looked out of the porthole, harbour full of shipping. Started disembarking details about 10 a.m., orders received for some of the details to go round to Durban. Very bad arrangements at Cape Town. Hung about the quay while our S.A.C. detachment were being armed and equipped, the only equipment I received being a water bottle and strap. We then entrained, I’ve had a bit of up and down in my time but think this is about the roughest, and it seems it is going to be a bit rougher before we reach our journey’s end.

12th September – We arrived at Worcester Station, all round this district is a hotbed of rebellion. Leaving Worcester behind approached the Hex River Mountains and at 5 p.m. arrived at Tows River Station. There has been some skirmishing here and saw Boer prisoners brought in from the neighbourhood, two of the, one especially, were fine handsome fellows about 30 years of age, these tow had been concerned in harbouring rebels and shooting some of our Kaffir scouts, they were being sent down for trial.

15th September 1901 – Arrived at Norval’s Port 8 a.m. passed over the now famous bridge over the Orange River and entered the Colony of that name. We arrived in Bloemfontein about 11.30 p.m. so of course could see nothing of it, and being so boisterous did not trouble to get up to look at the station.

17th September – 2 p.m. arrived Viljoen’s Drift, much fighting has been done here. 2.10. crossed the Vaal River and entered Transvaal. Elandsfontein at 6.30 p.m. stay here all night.

18th September 1901 – Up before 5 a.m. packed up, train started soon after, plenty signs of work about this country, many mines, though not now working. Seems a great pity that all this industry should be thrown out of joint, it will take a long time even after peace is restored to get everything in good working order again.

Arrived Modderfontein before 7 a.m., there is nothing here but a large dynamite factory, which is at present occupied by the S.A.C., the factory is a large place, it is not working yet. Kruger used to draw a large income, I am told £2000 per annum from the company for the monopoly.

I was handed over to Superintendent Lyons who was formerly a S.S.M. in the 10th Hussars, he knows a lot of people in the 12th (Lancers), old friends of mine, so we soon became chummy, he took me to the mess to breakfast, after which took me to the Staff Adjutant, Capt. Boag, who sent me to the Controller Lieutenant Colonel Anderson in whom I found an old friend whom I knew in Woolwich as S.S.M. (A.S.C.), he received me most kindly, I am to be in his department so hope to get on all right.

19th September – attested this morning for 3 years service in the S.A.C. AS Superintendent Chief Armourer. They wanted to attest me in the “B” Division as 3rd Class Trooper and promote me to Superintendent, but I was not taking any of that, so my case was referred to the Head Quarters, Johannesburg and it was soon put right. So here I am Chief Armourer to the whole force S.A.C., and here ends my journal.

William Mark’s journal ended with the following:

‘William Stirling Thomas Mark, having been attested this day, is graded Superintendent (Warrant Officer) with service to count from 19.08.1901, allotted Constabulary No. RD638, and will be attached to Depot Troop pending posting to a Department. (Authority C.S.C. C566)

How had he altered in appearance from the time he first attested? He was now 5 feet 6 inches in height with grey hair and a pale complexion. He was also “stout” in general appearance. On 1 October 1901 he was transferred from the Reserve Division (RD) to Headquarters Depot and so began his service as Chief Armourer of the 10 000 men that were to form the South African Constabulary.

On 19 January 1903 he wrote to the Controller, S.A.C. as follows,

“In consequence of there being no quarters available at Auckland Park, the undersigned W.O. respectfully requests he may be granted the privilege of being placed on the “lodging list”.

This request was submitted and strongly recommended as “Supt. Mark has been living in a tent I understand”

The upshot of this was that a Lodging Allowance was approved on 26 January 1903.

The next bit of correspondence from Mark spoke directly to the problem I addressed at the beginning; that of his medal entitlement. On 7 February 1903, from Johannesburg Mark directed a memorandum to Capt. Boag which read as follows:

‘Sir, I respectfully request to submit the following application with a view to being awarded the “medal for long service and good conduct”, granted to Warrant Officers by Army Order 155 of 1902.

I was promoted Warrant Officer in the Corps of Armourers on the 1st April 1892. Having at that time not quite seventeen years service, under the then and subsequent regulations, I was ineligible for the above named medal.

I was discharged from the Army on the 15th August 1901 on being selected for the appointment of Superintendent Chief Armourer to the South African Constabulary, my service with the latter force commencing from the date of discharge from the Army, and in which Force I am still serving. My service has therefore been continuous for nearly twenty eight years.

My character from the Army is “Exemplary” my Defaulters Sheet being clear of any entry.

I respectfully request this application may receive your favourable consideration, and that you will recommend the same to the Army Authorities.’

Boag, to his credit, submitted this request to the C.S.O. of the S.A.C. but doomed the request to failure by stating, “Application from No. HQ 39 Supt. (Armourer) W.S.J. Mark for the “Long Service & Good Conduct Medal under A.O. 155 of 1902.

Unless by serving in the S.A.C. is reckoned as “serving on or after 1 June 1902” as quoted in that order, he does not appear eligible but as S.A.C. was a Military Force at that time, I forward the application for your consideration”

The C.S.O. returned the application “Supt. Mark is clearly not eligible for this medal. A.O. 155 of 1902 distinctly states he should have been serving with the army on June 1st 1902 which he was not”

So Mark was to be denied on a technicality – that the S.A.C. which everyone knew was deployed as a Para military force in the Boer War was not deemed “Army” enough.

Thoroughly disheartened and with his three year contract coming to a close Mark wrote to the O.C. H.Q. Depot on 10 February 1904 asking for a three month leave of absence from 19th May until 18th August 1904 with permission to proceed to England, on full pay and pending discharge at the expiration of my engagement with the S.A.C.

He provided his contact address as Elm Dene, Forest Road, Enfield Wash, Middlesex.

Post Boer War and Army

William Mark was destined never to return to South Africa. Despite his professed intention to make a new home for his family in South Africa it was not to be.

Having returned to England he took up the occupation as an Off Licence Beer Retailer. The 1911 census has Mark, now aged 58, resident at 51 Brideport Road, Upper Edmonton, Middlesex. Together in the house were his 57 year old wife (they had been married for 35 years) and several of his daughters, all unmarried.

The following report appeared in the death notices of 1928 – William Stirling Thomas Mark of 82 Fotheringham- road Enfield, Middlesex, died 23 February 1928 at the North Middlesex Hospital Edmonton Middlesex. Probate London 29 March to Maria Jane Mark widow and Reginald Wykes Mark commercial traveller. Effects £827.18s. 11d.