South African Corps MT

[jandpflorance]

I have a 1st cousin once removed, Melville Ward Florance, who was in the South African Service Corps MT - presumably military transport. He is mentioned in the Edinburgh Gazette 6th June 1919 as a 'temp Captain attd intell' and was awarded the Military Cross. If anyone can enlighten me as to the SA Service Corp and his particular section I would be grateful. I am seeking to find out the citation for his MC.
James

[Frank Kelley]

Hello James,
I would first put this post in the South African section of the forum under Army if I were you.
His MC is quite a rare one, less than a hundred for the campaign in East Africa for the whole war, so many are birthday honours or general citations too, so you often get "for service connected with military operations in East Africa" etc.
However, you might find an original recommendation with his service file, you should consult the SADF Documentation Centre in Pretoria, not a common award, it would have been earned the hard way.
The SASC, with their motor transport and remounts did a lot of good work in that particular campaign, a really hard war, MC's were few and far between out there, unlike France and Flanders.
Be intriqued to know how you get on, good luck to you.
Kind regards Frank Kelley

[Traist]

Hi James, You can try the following: "If you have any queries regarding military history you may contact the Department of Defence Archives at sandfdoc@mweb.co.za as all military records are kept by them. Their physical address is the Schweikert Building, 20 Visagie Street, Pretoria and the telephone number is (012) 339-4600; Fax (012) 339 4631". You will need to be patient as they aren't quick. Regards Andrew