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He is a good man, but will not be any loss as a policeman.” 9 years 2 months ago #45621

Rory
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Alexander's group was a purchase from the most recent DNW auction - Lot 200

Frank Alexander

3rd Class Trooper, South African Constabulary – Anglo Boer War
Private, 3rd Hussars – WWI

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 to Tpr. F. Alexander, S.A.C.
- British War Medal to 39620 Pte. F. Alexander, 3 – Hrs.
- Victory Medal to 39620 Pte. F. Alexander, 3 – Hrs.

Frank Alexander was born in Llanvair Kilgidin, Monmouthshire, Wales on 2 October 1881 the son of Thomas Alexander and his wife Harriet, born Prior. Tragedy was to strike the family early on in Frank’s life with his father passing away when he still very young.

Widowed with two small children (Frank and his brother Henry) Hannah Alexander tied the marital knot for the second time a few years after her late husband’s demise, marrying Warren Sharp a Railway Platelayer by occupation and, in the process providing a home for her sons and herself.

The 1891 Wales census records that a 10 year old Frank was resident in the house of his step-father along with his mother, brother Henry (12) and new siblings from the second marriage Richard Sharp (6), Annie Sharp (4) Tom Sharp (3) and baby Clara Sharp (10 months)

The 1901 Wales census painted a somewhat different picture with Frank, now 20, employed as a Milkman on the farm Drysiag of Mr Rees Edwards of Ebbw Vale. This couldn’t have been much of a life for young Frank and it probably came as no surprise to his mother when he informed her that he had enlisted with the South African Constabulary for service in the Boer War.

This war which, according to some pundits, was supposed to be of short duration had been dragging on since October 1899 between Great Britain on the one hand and the two Boer Republics of the Orange Free State and Transvaal on the other. This had led to a significant number of troops having to be deployed in combat leaving a void in the policing duties that were required. Bade Powell hit on a scheme to recruit up to 10 000 men from all parts of the Empire to fill this void and so it was that a recruitment drive was undertaken at home in England.

On 12 November 1901 Alexander completed the Application Forms for Candidates in the South African Constabulary in Westminster. He confirmed that his address was now Yew Tree Cottage, Llanover, Kalergaven and that he was physically 5 feet 8 inches in height had a dark complexion, grey eyes and dark brown hair. He provided his mother, Mrs Sharp as his next of kin and confirmed that he had been convicted by a magistrate “for trespassing in pursuit of hares” and had been fined 19 shillings including costs. His left thumb print was appended to his papers although it is not immediately apparent as to why this was as he was able to sign his name.

On 26 November 1901 he signed the Articles of Agreement and became the S.A.C.’s latest recruit with number B1548 and the rank of 3rd Class Trooper. On arrival in South Africa he signed the Attestation Paper at Pretoria with service to count from 11 January 1902, an act which entitled him to a free passage home after 5 years continuous service. Assigned to the Depot initially he was transferred to No. 10 Troop on 1 February 1902 and it was here where he was to see out his service.

The war at this point in time had developed into one where conventional warfare had gone out the window to be replaced by guerrilla-style hit and run tactics by the Boer forces who were perpetually on the run in an effort to avoid the sweeps conducted by the British forces. The S.A.C. had more than a policing role to play and were, more often than not, in on the action incurring many casualties as the war progressed.

Whatever the motivation behind it was Alexander wrote to the O.C. of his Troop from Middelburg where he was based on 12 December 1902 requesting “my discharge out of the S.A.C.” and “hoping that this will be forwarded to Headquarters”. The reason for the request became clear in the memorandum from his O.C. to the Staff Adjutant wherein it was stated that “He has a guarantee of 6 months employment in the town, and I recommend his application. He is a good man, but will not be any loss as a policeman.”

On Christmas Day 1902 Alexander took his discharge with a Character of Very Good and 346 days service. His address was the Middleburg Imperial Restaurant and, for his efforts he was awarded the Queens Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State and Transvaal indicating that he had been deployed in all these areas; along with the South Africa 1902 clasp.

Having returned to his home in Wales at some point he is next encountered in the 1911 Census where he is recorded as being a Market Gardener by trade. He had also married Annie in 1904 and had two children, Albert Austin Alexander and Clarice Alexander.

Although his service papers have not survived we know that Alexander went on to serve in the Great War – being deployed in France as a Private with no. 39620 with the 3rd Hussars. He earned for himself the British War Medal and Allied Victory Medal and was disembodied on 9 February 1919 at the age of 39.

Frank Alexander was to outlive his first wife (she died in the 1930’s) but he remarried soon after passing away on 11 February 1947 leaving his wife, Plezzie, £464. His address at the time of his death was Caecoed Goytre, Monmouthshire.