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This may be of interest. Rules of the South African War Veterans' Association, London (H.Q.) Branch belonging to Pte Alfred Higginbottom, Middlesex Regiment, recalled to the colours in November 1899 and served through the Boer War earning the QSA with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, and Transvaal, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith and Laings Nek and KSA with date clasps.

Neville, I recognise the name of Major Acraman DCM as a man who served with the Grenadier Guards at Belmont and Modder River. His rank was Colour Sergeant during the conflict. He wrote a very detailed "Letter From the Front" which was published in the British press.
A very appropriate gentleman to be at the forefront of that meeting.

Paul, I wonder where the flag of the Worcesters is now?

Cheers Steve

Something a bit different ....

The Warrington Branch of the South African War Veterans' Association commissioned beer mats as part of the 1953 Coronation Day celebrations.

"HERE'S HEALTH UNTO HER MAJESTY / ER / FROM / BOER WAR VETERANS / WARRINGTON BRANCH"



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Steve/Neville – Major William Edward Acraman who commanded the parade at Worthing on Sunday 28 May 1939 has recently come under my gaze when I read Steve’s 2 year old Belmont post showing he was a man of Pembrokeshire.

When he retired from the army he took up residence in Worthing and the 1939 Register found him and his wife Edith living at 37 Forest Road, Worthing. He passed away on 16 September 1943 still living at the same address.

His obits in the local press show he was a member of Worthing Town Council and Vice-Chairman of the local Conservative Association. His will also made the news as he bequeathed to his son (a police-sergeant) a field in Fishguard, Pembrokeshire. He had been given the field by an uncle as an inducement to move back to the place of his birth when he retired from the army – it obviously did not work.

I presume he would have worn his medals whilst on parade. If so they would have made a magnificent show:

Queen’s South Africa Medal with 6 clasps
King’s South Africa Medal with 2 clasps
Distinguished Conduct Medal
King George V Coronation Medal
Long Service and Good Conduct Medal
1915 British Star
British War Medal
Allied Victory Medal
Military Cross
Croix De Guerre

I presume they would fetch a pretty penny if they ever came on the market possibly with a South African War Veterans' Badge thrown in for good measure.

The reason he wrote such an eloquent letter home is because prior to joining the army in July 1891,aged 21 he had been an assistant schoolmaster.

I will in the next day or so add more information about him and his two brothers to the Belmont Post – as Steve deduced one brother also served in the ABW, the other ended up as Superintendent of the Manchester Ship Canal and in 1918 presented himself at Buckingham Palace to be awarded the M.B.E. by King George V.

For anyone interested, the South African Wars Veterans' Association banner for Hastings has surfaced on eBay (12 Apr 2025).

Item No 146510883199

£610.52 buy-it-now.



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