TOPIC:

While not a DoM QSA, very much associated with the siege of Mafeking.


Picture courtesy of Noonan's

British War and Victory Medals (K.52284 C. E. M. Gardner. Sto. 2 R.N.)

Charles Edward Mafeking Gardner was born in Bishops Waltham, Hampshire, on 21 May 1900 (Mafeking having been relieved just four days previously), and enlisted in the Royal Navy for the duration of hostilities on 3 July 1918. He served as a Stoker Second Class in the mine-sweeper HMS Ascot from 27 October 1918, and was killed in action when Ascot was torpedoed and sunk by UB-67 off the Farne Islands on 10 November 1918, the last ship to be sunk during the Great War. He is commemorated on the Portsmouth Naval Memorial.

It's very interesting! and by the way, very curious.

Interestingly, I believe Charles's twin brother also served in the Royal Navy. They both served on the HMS Victory 2 and were both stokers. Charles then moved on to the minesweeper HMS Ascot. Twin brother Walter transferred to HMS Dryad. It could have certainly been a double tragedy for the family if the twins had transferred together onto the same vessel.

Walter George K Gardner survived WW1 and passed away in 1979.......I wonder what the K refered to?.( Kimberley.....or Kitchener perhaps? )


Ps. Charles and Walter were baptised on 22nd September 1901.

Ancestry informs me that the K does indeed stand for Kimberley.

Picture courtesy of Morton and Eden

QSA (1) Defence of Mafeking (Dep: - Fort: - Com: J. Chiddy. Mafeking Town Gd:)

M&E say 'Thomas John Chiddy of the Mafeking Town Guard, worked at Gerrans as a wagon and repair man, and according to details given by the 'Mafikeng Museum' by letter on 7 March, 1984: 'the Chiddy family was a large and important one in Mafeking and played a large part in our history'. Serving as Deputy Fort Commander, research suggests that he served during the siege at Musson's Fort (or Commissioners' Corner). A small photograph showing T. J. Chiddy is included in the composite group photo 'Officers in the Defence and Relief of Mafeking' with the number '131'. He is confirmed on the Q.S.A. roll, which appears to show just 4 men of this unusual rank, and a man of this name, serving at the rank of Corporal with the Albany Rangers, is known on the roll of the Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal, with clasp Basutoland, suggesting additional prior entitlement. Offered with useful copied documentation.'

Excellent! Thank you, David. I had almost no information about Chiddy.