A SCARCE “DEFENCE of LADYSMITH” QUEEN’S & KING’S SOUTH AFRICA PAIR.

To:
3764. Pte. W. CHANDLER. 1st /2nd MANCHESTER Regt.
(With very clear shadow dates)


(Took part in the vicious fighting at Caesar’s Camp where the Manchester’s lost 33 men and won two Victoria Crosses during a Boer attack)

“Imprisoned for Sleeping on Duty, with 21 Days Hard Labour” 6th March 1900. From Reading, Berks.

[BIOGRAPHY]
William Chandler was born in September 1873 in St Mary’s Parish, Reading, Berkshire. The family had clearly gone north for work in industrial Manchester as prior to enlistment at age 19.3 on 17th December 1892 he had been a labourer working in the Rochdale area and had been living at home.

He was of small stature being only 5ft 4” tall and just over 9 stones in weight. He was of fresh complexion with brown eyes and brown hair. He initially signed on in Aston-Under-Lyme for 4th Bn with two later transfers to 1st & 2nd Bns In 1893 & 1894 and back to 1st Bn on 11th November 1897 while serving in India.

He arrived in South Africa with 1st Bn on 23rd August 1899 with service there for 3 years & 18 days until 9th September 1902.

His next of kin was his Sister Emily Chandler who also resided at the family home at 5 Bellflat St, off Pitt Street, Rochdale, Lancashire. (Pitt Street still exists.)


[GENERAL FIELD COURT MARSHALL....6th March 1900]
William seems to have had a good record up until 12th February 1900 when he is seen being ‘in confinement’ for 22 days awaiting trial for the offence of “SLEEPING ON HIS POST”.
This was a serious offence and he stood trial on 6th March 1900 and was sentenced to 21 days imprisonment with Hard Labour.

He returned to duty on 27th March 1900 having forfeited his Good Conduct pay for the 21 days spent in the cooler.

[THE 1st MANCHESTERS AT THE DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH] (TWO VICTORIA CROSSES)
The losses of the Manchester Regt at Caesar’s Camp were very severe with 33 men killed, 4 officers and about 37 men wounded. Four officers and 14 men of the battalion were mentioned in Sir George White's despatch of 23rd March 1900. Two of William Chander’s colleagues, Pte R. Scott and Pte J. Pitts were subsequently awarded the Victoria Cross for "Holding out in their sangar for fifteen hours without food or water, all the time keeping a sharp look-out, although the enemy occupied some sangars on their immediate left rear".....and of course all round their front.

Three officers and 1 non-commissioned officer had already been mentioned in the despatch of 2nd December 1899 for excellent work prior to the investment.

He served for exactly 12 years, right to the day, and was discharged on 16th December 1904.

A Pleasing, Totally Original & Uncleaned “DEFENCE of LADYSMITH” Pair in EF with colour copy attestation, service & discharge papers. The pair also has its top safety pin mountings which were probably put on by the recipient when he last wore his medals.

£650.