Boer War Ranks - SAC

[Charterhouse.ca]

I have very little knowledge on UK army/cavalry ranks and need some help. I have a Queen's South African medal for a South African Constabulary Trooper. His rank is inscribed as "3rd CL.: TPR:"

What rank is this, please? I've seen him referred to as Lance-Corporal, but also show him as promoted three times. His Discharge paprers look like Lt. Cpr, but it could be L/ Cpr.

Thanks for any information.

[manchesters]

Appers to be 3rd Class Trooper.

regards

[Toby Purcell]

Originally Posted by Charterhouse.ca

I have very little knowledge on UK army/cavalry ranks and need some help. I have a Queen's South African medal for a South African Constabulary Trooper. His rank is inscribed as "3rd CL.: TPR:"

What rank is this, please? I've seen him referred to as Lance-Corporal, but also show him as promoted three times. His Discharge paprers look like Lt. Cpr, but it could be L/ Cpr.

Thanks for any information.

As an armed constabulary such men were a form of gendarmerie, in a similar way to the Royal Irish Constabulary, the Royal North West Mounted Police, British South Africa Police, Indian Imperial Police, New South Wales Mounted Police, New Zealand Armed Police Force, and numerous similar organisations across the length and breadth of the old British Empire.

Although armed and trained in basic tactics these men were not soldiers, but policemen employed to enforce the law as it stood in the territories that were governed by the relevant colonial authorities. They were, however, organised under similar protocols to soldiers with a basic divide between officers, who were generally commissioned by Viceroys or Governors, and men divided between constables and NCOs. The latter were similar to army ranks, but often excluded lance appointments (lance corporal/lance sergeant**) and warrant officers, but utilised sergeants of various grades, including, sometimes, sergeant majors.

The constables/troopers were often divided into classes to manage experience and remuneration in an efficient and equitable manner. From 3rd to 1st Class was common and I think probably is the case with the man you’re researching.

These are not “U.K.” protocols, or ranks, but a longstanding British and Imperial modus operandi once practised by (and in many cases still so) nations with historical ties such as Canada.

**these were traditionally unpaid [and probationary] appointments rather than ranks, which is why they were thought inappropriate for constabularies, but in some of the most militaristic forces where the divide between constable and soldier was more tenuous (South Africa being a good example) they were sometimes utilised.

[Charterhouse.ca]

Thank You! That would explain everything.