vc

Innes, A. L. (Alexander Lee), 1868-1948, photographer. St Helena Studio, Jamestown No idea re subject

Captain Jens Friis from Denmark ?? "Mr Uggla had continued recruiting and on 20th January 1900 another 20 new volunteers arrived from Pretoria under command of Captain Jens Friis, who was a Dane. The decision to disband the Company was now altered and it should instead be reorganized. The new organization was: ... ..." From - www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/boer-units/1955-sca... (Use 'find on page' "Friis") He was taken Prisoner of War and must have ended up on St Helena. Not sure "V.C" refers to Victoria Cross.

Similar info here - samilitaryhistory.org/vol145sb.html

A censored letter to Jens Friis in Cape Town.
Via - stampauctionnetwork.com/ha/ha301285.cfm

This wiki page about Boer foreign volunteers mentions an Irish brigade, which might be a possible connection to Alice Stopford Green - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boer_foreign_volunteers And - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_commandos

what an amazing story, if you can call it a story. i hope he lived a happy life

a true hero....what a man.

excellent shot

From UK Victoria Cross Medals database Name:Frederick William Holmes Birth Date:27 Sep 1889 Birth Place:Abbey Street, Bermondsey, London Death Date:22 Oct 1969 Death Place:Port Augusta, South Australia There is a baptism record for Frederick William Holmes born at 23 Abbey Street, Bermondsey. The baptism took place at St Mary Magdalene, Bermondsey on 27th Sep 1891, the son of Thomas George and Ann Mary Holmes. TG Holmes was described as a Carman. A family tree is listed on www.ancestry.co.uk and shows that TG Holmes died before the 1901 census. Ann Mary's maiden name was Hymns. Frederick's address on 20th Dec 1920 according to his Medal Roll Index Card was 18 Wiverton Road, Sydenham.

Lance Corporal Holmes Takes The Place Of A Wounded Driver And Assists In Driving A Gun Out Of Action Under Heavy Fire. In the afternoon of August 26th 1914, Von Kluck began to use the superior numbers of his army in a great enveloping on both British at Le Cateau. Some of the German batteries took up positions from which they were able to enfilade the British line, and so at about 3.30p.m. the order was given to commence a retirement. This movement was covered with great courage by the artillery, who at this stage of the battle suffered their heaviest losses. Under very heavy fire Lance Corporal Frederick William Holmes, of the 2nd Battalion The Kings Own Yorkshire Light Infantry, carried a wounded man from the hastily dug trenches, and later mounted one of the leading horses of a gun team, when the driver had been wounded, to assist in driving a gun out of action, Lance Corporal Holmes showed the highest gallantry and was awarded the V.C. www.directart.co.uk/mall/more.php?ProdID=9444

The pocket general.

He was a very small man but was genuinely respected by the men who served under him including the Irish men many of whom served with him in India!

Victoria Cross, VC - top left medal. Details at en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Roberts,_1st_Earl_Roberts "He was awarded the Victoria Cross medal for actions on 2 January 1858 at Khudaganj. The citation reads: Lieutenant Roberts' gallantry has on every occasion been most marked. On following the retreating enemy on 2 January 1858, at Khodagunge, he saw in the distance two Sepoys going away with a standard. Lieutenant Roberts put spurs to his horse, and overtook them just as they were about to enter a village. They immediately turned round, and presented their muskets at him, and one of the men pulled the trigger, but fortunately the caps snapped, and the standard-bearer was cut down by this gallant young officer, and the standard taken possession of by him. He also, on the same day, cut down another Sepoy who was standing at bay, with musket and bayonet, keeping off a Sowar. Lieutenant Roberts rode to the assistance of the horseman, and, rushing at the Sepoy, with one blow of his sword cut him across the face, killing him on the spot.

Roberts actually lived in Waterford for a while which might explain why his portrait is among the Poole collection! There's a plaque on a wall out the Dunmore Road giving details!

Red Herring - Well I never! There is a pub in Sydney, Australia renamed (1901) after him. www.lordrobertshotel.com.au/