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Mark,

That's more than the usual re-unite. What a great story.

Many thanks
David

It was completely fortuitous; the library had tagged 'Willie Keith' in their description of the diary. I am honoured to have bought these medals. Where did you find it?

Well done Mark - I too hold the medal to a Warren bodyguard - that to Herbert Munro Stainbank, also a Colonial Scout (and Nottingham Road Rifles Association)

Would there be any mention of Stainbank in the diary? He was killed in April 1906 on the banks of the White Umfolozi while, as Magistrate, collecting Hut Taxes.

Regards

Rory

Hello Rory. My sincere apologies for not getting back to you sooner... i tend to wander off and forget to check the site. There is no mention of your man in the diary; which is all about his time in the ILH. He doesn't even mention specifically that he was in the bodyguard, just saying in passing that the bodyguard helped out in the hospital below Spion Kop during that fateful battle. I am alswo fortunate to hold a second bodyguard medal, that of Alexnder Shearer, who also joined the ILH, but after taking a brek when the bodyguard was disbanded in March 1900. so Shearer missed the Mafeking relief. Best regards, Mark

Short description of the Colonial Scouts in Tylden's "Armed Forces of South Africa".

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (6) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, lacking rivets between RoL and CC clasps (Tpr: H. C. Sackie. Colonial Scouts)

H C Sackie served with “B” Squadron, No. 1 Troop, Colonial Scouts, and is noted on the roll as entitled to Medal and clasps Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith. He later served with the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles and is confirmed as entitled to the remaining four clasps as Sergeant H C Sacke.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 320. Totals: GBP 412. R 9,200. AUD 770. NZD 820. CAD 660. USD 480. EUR 460