TOPIC:

Note to the editor - "Please fact-check before publishing."


....Mr George Wilson, one of the Kentucky Minstrels now engaged at the Circus, Anlaby-road [Hull], has volunteered for service in South Africa. Mr Wilson, although only 34 years of age, has had a remarkably adventurous career. For 16 years 4 months and 21 days he served in the 24th Warwickshire Regiment, and he now enjoys a pension of 1s a day, which he will forego the moment he rejoins. He served through the Zulu, Afghan, and the Indian Frontier campaigns, and also through England's previous war with the Boers. During the battles in which he was engaged he received no less than seven wounds from bullets and swords.


For his valour he has been decorated with the Victoria Cross, four medals, and a star. The "V.C." was awarded for heroic conduct at Majuba Hill when a bugler, scarcely 15 years of age. It is highly probable, therefore, that he gained the coveted distinction at an earlier age than any of its holders, past or present. Mr Wilson now desires "to get his own back," and judging from his determined character we imagine he will render a good account of himself in the present struggle.
Hull Daily Mail, Friday 5th January 1900

Hi Berenice.
Here we go again:

Three Wilsons awarded the V.C One was called George...Private 2nd Battalion Highland Light Infantry.
Awarded his VC for action near Verneuill France September 14th 1914.
Lets clear up Majuba 1st

Lance Corporal Joseph John Farmer was the only soldier at Majuba who was awarded the Victoria Cross for his conduct at the first aid station on the top of Majuba Hill during the battle. Farmer raised a white cloth over the wounded to indicate their presence to the Boers. His arm was shot through. He raised another cloth with his other arm which was also hit.

Lieutenant Hamilton was recommended for a VC for his heroism, but it was decided that he was too young and would have other opportunities to win the coveted award.

Will fact check out George's other claims to fame later..... before publishing!!

regards
Dave

Dave, I don't think we can even accept 'George Wilson' as being his real name.