TOPIC:

After doing a bit more research I stumbled upon a post in the Gentlemens Military Interest club concerning Breaker Morant.
by a member with user name Gam47 gmic.co.uk/topic/59178-breaker-morant-cl...ments#comment-552521
it is rather a long posting but in the notes at the end of the post I found the following.

No MAFEKING RAILWAY VOLUNTEERS........................................................................................................................

NOTE : The writer had in his possession until sold in the early 1980's, a medal pair to Alfred Henry Royal, QSA Medal five clasps DoM, OFS, Tvl, SA01, SA02 named “Mafeking Town Gd” , and British War Medal named “Railway Regt”. Recorded as Engine Driver on the Railway Volunteer's QSA Roll, and also on the Mafeking Town Guard Roll and the QSA recorded as issued off that Roll. Subsequently enlisted Bushveld Carbineers, Cape Town, 6th April, 1901, No. 233, Squadron Quarter Master Sergeant, with former service in Railway Volunteers. He one of those who had fled for his life, and his comprehensive report of atrocities committed by the corps recorded in Captain Beddy's report (see No ). He subsequently served to the war's end as a well respected No.32773 Quarter Master Sergeant, Pietersburg Light Horse. Railway Regiment Great War service in the Union and South West Africa only

So it would seem that My Great Grandfather's (Maternal) medals were sold by the writer of the post in the early 1980"s already.
It would also seem that he was one of the men who "fled for his Life" and reported on the atrocities committed by the Bushveldt Carbineers.

I have in my Posession copies of His marriage certificate giving his address at the time as Mafikeng and occupation as Engine Driver.

Any idea where I could purchase a copy of this publication or at the very least gain a copy of the pages relating to Alfred Henry Royal
The Bushveldt Carbineers and the Pietersburg Light Horse. Woolmore, W (Bill). Slouch Hat Publications McRae, Australia. 2002

Here is the reference from the book, nothing else in index


Jon

Hi Paul

According to The Report on Railway Division, Defence of Mafeking 1899-1900, by J R Moore, A. Royal is shown as a driver in the Locomotive Department, Mafeking.

He was not shown as present at the engagement 4 miles North of Mafeking on 14 Oct 1899, where the driver wasw G. Waine.

Also not shown as present at Game Tree on 26 December 1899.

There are a total of 13 other Drivers on the list.

Regards

Adrian

I guess I am trying to Understand what made him Join THE BVC as he joined in Maitland Cape Town, which indicates to me that he had left Mafikeng and gone back home to his wife who he had only Married in May 1899 just before the siege started (married in Salt River Cape Town) . I do not know his connection to Mafikeng as the Royal's were settled in Cape Town yet on his Marriage certificate his address is Mafikeng.
Why would an Engine Driver join The Bushveldt Carbineers?

Sold City Coins #59, November 2009 for hammer price of R25600


Regards
Jon