Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Defence of Mafeking, Transvaal
219 Pte. A. J. Brown. Cape Police
edge bruise and contact marks, nearly very fine.
Alexander John Brown was born in Middlesex on 23 November 1873 and enlisted in the Cape Police at Kimberley on 21 April 1896. He served in District 2 during the Bechuanaland Rebellion (Medal and clasp), and during the Boer War from 11 October 1899 to 31 May 1902 (also entitled to the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps, QSA roll confirms award).
No. 2 District Cape Police received only (54) clasps for the Defence of Mafeking, of these, the survival rate is estimated to be 34%.
At Mafeking, also, the Cape Police contributed a very valuable section of the defenders. In his despatch Colonel Baden-Powell stated the total drilled force at 38 officers and 679 men, of whom there were — of Cape Police, Division I, Inspector Marsh, 2 officers and 45 men; Division II, Inspector Brown, 2 officers and 54 men. In the numerous actions and skirmishes, as well as in holding the trenches, the Cape Police with their maxim did excellent work, which was several times mentioned by Colonel Baden-Powell. He also spoke very highly of the individual efforts of several officers and men. In the telegraphic despatch of 13th April 1900 Colonel Baden-Powell, speaking of an attack on the 11th, said: "A small attacking force advanced against Fort Abrams. The garrison under Corporal Webb, Cape Police, reserved their fire until they were within effective range, and, with assistance from Fort Cronje, repulsed the attack. The enemy left five dead".
