TOPIC:

He was a member of the Natal Guides, one assumes with the rank of Honoury Sergt and a member of the FID.
He is shown as Agent Henderson AF CMG in WO100/354 page 42.
But he had held a commission years before in the Natal Native Horse, but, I don't think my point is relevant here as I now see he was referred to as Mr Henderson in the dispatches regarding his work during the Boer War.
Regards Frank

JustinLDavies wrote: Yes but he was Natal Guides rather than FID surely? And a survivor of Isandhlwana to boot.

The originator of the FID was Colonel David Henderson.

Best,

Justin

Good morning David,
I had been thinking about this again today and I don't think that perhaps Alfred Henderson was a good example for me to bring up on here.
Looking again at your post, I note that the very first man in your first photo, Allen is shown as an Inspector ASC attached to the Imperial Transport Service in WO100/216, but his medal was issued from WO100/301 with the "rank" of Agent or Guide, moreover, in the remarks column of the uncovered folio, i.e. not the one on line at ancestry, the remarks column confirms "Lieut Weil's Transport"
So here we have a gentleman with all the trappings of a commission, he is actually shown on their nominal roll as a Scout too!
His KSA, Lieutenant FID, prior ASC is in WO100/334, so to conclude, I think that the term Agent or Guide should not be thought of as just a rank but often I would view it as a title.
Kind regards Frank

djb wrote: I have seen a couple of catalogues this week containing medals to the FID. For the rank, both say 'Agent or Guide'. Is this because the medal was issued with no rank in some instances?

Most of the examples I have on the FID page of this site , give either Agent or Guide as possible ranks.

Two page extracts from the FID roll would seem to support this view:

With thanks
David

There must be an easy way of doing photos, I just need to find it!