Dear Sir/Madam,
I ask for your assistance, please, in checking the roll of the British South Africa Company Medal. I am the Granddaughter of Percy Ernest SHINN (1874-1965). In his memoires my Grandfather relates being in Umtali at the time the 1896 Rebellion broke out. When one old 9lb muzzle loading artillery piece was located in the town, a somewhat motley gun crew was recruited from amongst the limited manpower available. Based on his previous service as a gunner with the 3rd (Middlesex) Field Artillery Volunteers in England he was appointed "Sergeant Instructor" and required to train a competent gun crew. This grouping presumably became the Umtali Artillery although he refers to his unit as part of the Umtali Volunteers. After a few minor actions (during the last of which the gun was broken) he transferred to Transport and Supplies. Whether this was a military unit is not known but it was commanded by an army officer, one Colonel Beal.
The question then is: Was Percy Shinn awarded the British South Africa Company Medal? Bars?
Thank you,
Alison McKenna (nee Shinn)