Boer War Association

[dumdum]

Following some exchanges with a member of the Forum over Boer War veteran's associations, I decided to post this. Size is about 30mm (no idea what that would be in old money...).

Can anyone add information on this group? A bit of an exclusive outfit I would have thought.

[Beaker123]

Hello DD,
the Brit Lib Newspaper archive has some results relating to the Association. A brief overview:
A 1933 paper mentions the Ass held its 6th annual dinner in London, which suggests it was founded in 1928 but a report from 1938 mentions that while the first annual dinner of Ladysmith veterans was held in 1928 (when 25 attended) the Ass wasn't formed until 1930 and in 1938 it had 226 members with Sir Ian Hamilton being President. In June 1957 eighteen members attended the annual dinner in London.In 1960 the Ass received a letter from Winston Churchill after the President (now 81 yr old Major TC Shillito) sent him birthday greetings.No references after 1964.

In a 1931 report, the badge of the Ass was observed being worn by just one vet at a gathering of army veterans in Surrey.

An interesting item!

Steve H

[mike_vee]

From a "well known" site

A rare original circa 1930's 'Defenders of Ladysmith Association' gilt and enamel lapel badge, the reverse with maker's details 'Fattorini & Sons Bradford House Birmingham' a pattern used between 1931 and 1935.

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[Beaker123]

Also on a/the well known auction site 'Exxy': there's a membership card from the 1950s "defenders of ladysmith association", less than £2.00 at the moment.

Usual proviso, I have no interest in the item.

S

[dumdum]

Hi gents

Many thanks for your replies. You've added to my knowledge which was almost nothing!

[dumdum]

Originally Posted by mike_vee

From a "well known" site



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Hi Mike

Thanks for that. I found it but would be intrigued to know what it fetched however I think that the use of the words "rare" and "original" always carry a real premium....

[dumdum]

Oh and mine is in much better nick....

[mike_vee]

The badges cost 2/- (two shillings) in the 1950's .

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[Frank Kelley]

They will cost a little more these days I should imagine!

Originally Posted by mike_vee

The badges cost 2/- (two shillings) in the 1950's .

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