TOPIC:

The siege of Mafeking,
I'm wanting info about Charlie Whitfield who was with Col Baden Powell in Mafeking. Was he miltary personnel, Police or a civilian, According to HS Guest writing in 1901, Charlie and his brother David were arrested near Klerksdorp and spent time in prison before the arrival of the British occupation force in Klerksdorp. any news or pointers will be gratefully received. Tkx Evyn

Hello Evyn.....

According to the book Mafefing Siege Register by Colin Walker.....

WHITFIELD, CHARLES JAMES

Member: TOWN GUARD, Occupation: FARMER

Mitchell's M.R. Cawood Diary:

2/11 Charlie Whitfield (ex Klerksdorp) and 2 or 3 other good shota knocked over a couple of the enemy. C says Whitfield is in BP's intelligence dept.

15/4 W dressed up as a Dutch Tanta on sports day, also mention in Siege Slip 120.

9/5 Told by BP to take over all remaining stock animals.

Grinnell-Milne p.49: Ex-soldier, poorly old Whitfield....

Baillie p. 235: says Whitfield hit in stomach by ricochet in stomach "....but did not penitrate owing to the width of his figure>

Siege Slip Mention: 129 27/4 On Committee organizing "Photographs of Refugees," Full name and occupation from Standard Bank Acc.


Hope this of some help....

Mike

Hi Evyn,

J.C. Whitfield appears on the Mafeking Town Guard QSA roll (WO 100/283) showing QSA with Defence of Makeking clasp. I see no other Whitfields on the roll so it would seem likely his initials have been entered the wrong way round. Mike's post would seem to confirm that the man entered as J.C. Whitfield is actually C.J. Whitfield.

I've also found another C.J. Whitfield in the QSA roll for the Mafeking District Mounted Troops (WO 100/283). I believe this man is the same man as the man in the MTG. From the MDMT roll it lists a Lieut. C.J. Whitfield and in the right margin there is a note saying "Received medal MTG." Then next to that is noted "Town Guard & Intelligence with the columns in the Transvaal."

It would appear that Charlie Whitfield first saw service in the MTG and then later received a commission and served as a Lieutenant in the Mafeking District Mounted Troops doing intelligence work. I can't find a record for a KSA or SA 1901 or SA 1902 clasps. From what is listed on the two pages I have he received the QSA with Defence of Mafeking and Transvaal clasps.

How old was Charlie? I couldn't help noticing that there was a Lieut. Charlie Whitfield listed who served during the Zulu War with the Hon. Lt. S.W. Vereker in the Natal Horse Zulu War medal roll.

Cheers,

Mark

Hi Mike
Thax so much I'm going to get a copy of Colin Walker's book.
Where should I start to look for the missing medals?
I already have David's group. regards
Evyn

Hi Mike,
You inspired me to go check up some old records of the Zulu wars, and believe it or not I have discovered what happened to Alfred, Charlie & David Whitfield's father. In the Isandhlwana KIA list dd. 22 Jan 1879 there it is Colour Sergeant W (HL) Whitfield 1st Batt 24th Foot. He was a farmer from Komgha in EP and the family legend was that he'd been killed in 1877. Seems this riddle has been solved.
How can I be absolutely sure??
F/S burgher
Evyn

FSburgher wrote: Where should I start to look for the missing medals?
Evyn

Good Evening Evyn

Here is as good a place as any..... They can be anywhere.....

Mike