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Hello all

I have a City of London Police 1902 medal to an ex-Royal Marine Artilleryman, Sidney Randolph Beesley. He was part of the naval brigade sent by HMS Powerful and his records state he was present at Belmont and then wounded-in-action at Enslin. He did not make old bones, dying in 1905 whilst in police service.

Would the RMA detachment from Powerful have been manning the landed artillery pieces during that battle, or did they serve as infantry? And if anyone has any further information I'd be delighted to receive it.

Thanks very much for any help.
Richard

The initial Naval Brigade was composed as follows:

Commander Ethelston of H.M.S. 'Powerful' in command.
Major Plumbe, R.M.L.I., of H.M.S. 'Doris' 2nd in command.
9 Naval officers.
53 bluejackets.
7 Marine officers.
290 N.C.O.'s and men of the Royal Marines.
The guns were two 12-pounder 8-cwt. guns on ordinary field mountings.

This brigade served in Natal and was later increased in size. It is this larger Brigade composed as follows which were present at the battles you are interested in:

Commander Ethelston of H.M.S. 'Powerful' in command.
Major Plumbe, R.M.L.I., of H.M.S. 'Doris' 2nd in command.
9 Naval officers.
53 bluejackets.
7 Marine officers.
290 N.C.O.'s and men of the Royal Marines.
The guns were two 12-pounder 8-cwt. guns on ordinary field mountings.

The Royal Marines manned some of the guns or escorted and supported them.

You should read Naval Brigades in the South African War by Jeans available on the Books section of this website.