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Thanks to good offices of a venerable gentleman who is an integral part of this Forum I was able to acquire a wonderful pair to the Natal Police.

Darlow in 1906 was a Gaoler and, although not yet researched in full, there is a reference in his papers to his being commended for his assistance in the Stainbank case. Stainbank, whose medal I have, was the Magistrate who was murdered whilst out collecting Hut Tax during the Bambatha Rebellion.

Quite what Darlow's role was will be revealed in the fullness of time. Another attraction was his rank of Gaoler - there were, if memory serves, only 50 with this rank and he now joins another that I have to ED Lightening which is part of a larger group.









Regards

Rory

Rory,

An excellent pair and great pictures too.

Many thanks
David

A superb and scarce pair, it seems strange to think about it these days, but, back in 1899, men like Darlow were the only "regular" force that the Colony actually had to defend itself, the rest being Militia and Volunteers.

Rory,

Congratulations on your newest acquisition, I would of thought a very scare pair.

Paul

Rory wrote: Thanks to good offices of a venerable gentleman who is an integral part of this Forum I was able to acquire a wonderful pair to the Natal Police.

Darlow in 1906 was a Gaoler and, although not yet researched in full, there is a reference in his papers to his being commended for his assistance in the Stainbank case. Stainbank, whose medal I have, was the Magistrate who was murdered whilst out collecting Hut Tax during the Bambatha Rebellion.

Quite what Darlow's role was will be revealed in the fullness of time. Another attraction was his rank of Gaoler - there were, if memory serves, only 50 with this rank and he now joins another that I have to ED Lightening which is part of a larger group.

Regards

Rory

Thanks chaps

This is my other "pair" to the Natal Police:

- Queen's South Africa Medal to Gaoler, ED Lightening, Natal Police
- 1906 Natal Medal to Gaoler, ED Lightening, Natal Police
- 1914/15 Star to Pte. ED Lightening, 1st Infantry
- British War Medal to ED Lightening, 1st Infantry
- Allied Victory Medal to ED Lightening, 1st Infantry

As you can see Lightening was a Gaoler on both the QSA and Natal combination but went on to serve in WWI.



Regards

Rory

Rory,

They are awesome. I like the rank has been maintained on both the QSA and Natal Medal.