TOPIC:

I am busy with a project on the Border Mounted Rifles during the Boer War, and I have been unable to find mention of the award of the DSO to Major Sangmeister. Few DSO's were awarded to the Natal Volunteers, and I have found records of some, but not Sangmeister's. Can anyone help?

Brett

Brett,

SANGMEISTER, F A W, Major, served in the South African War from 1899 to 1901. He was present in operations in Natal in 1899, including actions at Reitfontein and Lombard's Kop; the Defence of Ladysmith, including sortie of 7 December 1899, and action of 6 January 1900; operations in Natal, March to June 1900, including the action at Laing's Nek. He was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 4 December 1903]; received the Queen's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 4 December 1903]: "Major F A W Sangmeister, Border Mounted Rifles. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa, 1899-1900, the reward to bear date 29 November 1900". He was promoted Major 16 November 1904, and was placed as Lieutenant Colonel on the Regimental Supernumerary List, Natal, 6 March 1906. He also served in the Natal Native Rebellion in 1906, for which he received the Medal and Clasp. He was awarded the Volunteer Decoration.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)

Brett,

He has 2 entries on the BMR page: angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-...order-mounted-rifles
Once for the DSO and the second for being captured in July 1900.

Best wishes
David

David
That must be a world record for a quick response to an enquiry! Many thanks! The information is exactly what I had hoped for. Sangmeister was a founder member of the Umzimkulu Mounted Rifles in 1884. A young settler from Germany described her compatriot Sergeant Sangmeister as one of three "commanders-in-chief" of the UMR, the others being Captain Bru-de-Wold (from Norway) and Sergeant Lugg (from England). All three went on to make a name for themselves in the military annals of Colonial Natal.
Regards
Brett

Brett,

There is mention of the Sangmeisters already been settled by 1882.

www.norsettler.co.za/history.htm

And this thread which identified his link to Lord Strathcona's Horse

angloboerwar.com/forum/16-on-this-day/48...h-1900-part-one#4836