WWW.1879ZULUWAR.COM

Film Zulu. Lieutenant John Chard: The army doesn't like more than one disaster in a day. Bromhead: Looks bad in the newspapers and upsets civilians at their breakfast.
 
HomeHome  GalleryGallery  Latest imagesLatest images  SearchSearch  RegisterRegister  Log inLog in  
Latest topics
» Private James Powell - 24th Regiment
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyYesterday at 9:59 pm by BritNZCan22

» George Champney Palmes - Medal at auction
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyYesterday at 5:34 pm by Dash

» Anderson, A. 2622 2-24th
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyMon Dec 02, 2024 6:01 pm by Dash

» Samuel Popple
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySun Dec 01, 2024 10:14 pm by Dash

» 25B/671 Pte. J. Machin 2/24th Regiment, KIA Isandlwana
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 28, 2024 9:43 pm by Tim Needham

» John Samuel Jobbins. Rorkes Drift Defender.
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 28, 2024 12:36 pm by jgregory

» The Passing of Lady Ellen Baker.
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 23, 2024 11:35 pm by John Young

» Dr. A. Ralph Busby
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 23, 2024 9:14 am by Julian Whybra

» Did Ntishingwayo really not know Lord C wasn't at home
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 22, 2024 9:31 am by Julian Whybra

» Lieutenant M.G. Wales, 1st Natal Native Contingent
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 16, 2024 12:32 pm by Matthew Turl

» Colonel Edward William Bray, 2nd/4th Regt.
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 15, 2024 9:55 pm by Julian Whybra

» Royal Marine Light Infantry, Chatham
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 14, 2024 7:57 pm by Petty Officer Tom

» H.M.S. Forester
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 14, 2024 4:07 pm by johnex

» Studies in the Zulu War volume VI now available
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 09, 2024 6:38 pm by Julian Whybra

» Colonel Charles Knight Pearson
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 08, 2024 5:56 pm by LincolnJDH

» Grave of Henry Spalding
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 07, 2024 8:10 pm by 1879graves

» John West at Kambula
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 07, 2024 5:25 pm by MKalny15

» Private Frederick Evans 2/24th
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySun Nov 03, 2024 8:12 pm by Dash

» How to find medal entitlement Coker
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySun Nov 03, 2024 10:51 am by Kev T

» Isandlwana Casualty - McCathie/McCarthy
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 02, 2024 1:40 pm by Julian Whybra

» William Jones Comment
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 01, 2024 6:07 pm by Eddie

» Brother of Lt Young
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 01, 2024 5:13 pm by Eddie

» Frederick Marsh - HMS Tenedos
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 01, 2024 9:48 am by lydenburg

» Mr Spiers KIA iSandlwana ?
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 01, 2024 7:50 am by Julian Whybra

» Isandhlwana unaccounted for casualties
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 01, 2024 7:48 am by Julian Whybra

» Thrupps report to Surgeon General Wolfies
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Oct 31, 2024 12:32 pm by Julian Whybra

» Absence of Vereker from Snook's Book
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Oct 25, 2024 10:59 pm by Julian Whybra

» Another Actor related to the Degacher-Hitchcock family
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyMon Oct 21, 2024 1:07 pm by Stefaan

» No. 799 George Williams and his son-in-law No. 243 Thomas Newman
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Oct 19, 2024 12:36 pm by Dash

» Alphonse de Neuville- Painting the Defence of Rorke's Drift
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Oct 18, 2024 8:34 am by Stefaan

» Studies in the Zulu War volumes
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyWed Oct 16, 2024 3:26 pm by Julian Whybra

» Martini Henry carbine IC1 markings
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyMon Oct 14, 2024 10:48 pm by Parkerbloggs

» James Conner 1879 clasp
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyMon Oct 14, 2024 7:12 pm by Kenny

» 80th REG of Foot (Staffords)
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySun Oct 13, 2024 9:07 pm by shadeswolf

» Frontier Light Horse uniform
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySun Oct 13, 2024 8:12 pm by Schlaumeier

Search
 
 

Display results as :
 
Rechercher Advanced Search
December 2024
MonTueWedThuFriSatSun
      1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031     
CalendarCalendar
Most active topics
Durnford was he capable.1
Durnford was he capable. 4
Durnford was he capable.5
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
Isandlwana, Last Stands
The ammunition question
Durnford was he capable. 3
Durnford was he capable.2
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
The missing five hours.
Most Viewed Topics
Please Do Not Post Ads on Our Forum
Google Chrome new standards imposed
Isandlwana, Last Stands
In deference to other online platforms discussing the history of the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
The missing five hours.
ISANDLWANA SURVIVIORS
The ammunition question
Recent Members To The ZULU WAR 1879 Discussion & Reference Forum ( A Small Victorian War in 1879)
Pte David Jenkins. 'Forgotten' Survivor of Rorke's Drift Returned to Official Records
Top posting users this month
Dash
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
BritNZCan22
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
John Young
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
90th
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
1879graves
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
STEPHEN JAMES
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
G Butcher
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_leftLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon BarLevy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Bar_right 
New topics
» George Champney Palmes - Medal at auction
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyYesterday at 5:34 pm by Dash

» Anderson, A. 2622 2-24th
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyMon Dec 02, 2024 6:01 pm by Dash

» Private James Powell - 24th Regiment
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 29, 2024 10:03 pm by BritNZCan22

» 25B/671 Pte. J. Machin 2/24th Regiment, KIA Isandlwana
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyThu Nov 28, 2024 9:43 pm by Tim Needham

» The Passing of Lady Ellen Baker.
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 23, 2024 11:35 pm by John Young

» Dr. A. Ralph Busby
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptySat Nov 16, 2024 11:36 am by Julian Whybra

» Colonel Edward William Bray, 2nd/4th Regt.
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyWed Nov 13, 2024 8:49 pm by John Young

» Samuel Popple
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyTue Nov 12, 2024 3:36 pm by STEPHEN JAMES

» Colonel Charles Knight Pearson
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyFri Nov 08, 2024 5:56 pm by LincolnJDH

Similar topics
Zero tolerance to harassment and bullying.
Due to recent events on this forum, we have now imposed a zero tolerance to harassment and bullying. All reports will be treated seriously, and will lead to a permanent ban of both membership and IP address. Any member blatantly corresponding in a deliberate and provoking manner will be removed from the forum as quickly as possible after the event.  If any members are being harassed behind the scenes PM facility by any member/s here at 1879zuluwar.com please do not hesitate to forward the offending text.  We are all here to communicate and enjoy the various discussions and information on the Anglo Zulu War of 1879. Opinions will vary, you will agree and disagree with one another, we will have debates, and so it goes. There is no excuse for harassment or bullying of anyone by another person on this site. The above applies to the main frame areas of the forum. The ring which is the last section on the forum, is available to those members who wish to partake in slagging matches. That section cannot be viewed by guests and only viewed by members that wish to do so. 
Fair Use Notice
Fair use notice. This website may contain copyrighted material the use of which has not been specifically authorised by the copyright owner. We are making such material and images are available in our efforts to advance the understanding of the “Anglo Zulu War of 1879. For educational & recreational purposes. We believe this constitutes a 'fair use' of any such copyrighted material, as provided for in UK copyright law. The information is purely for educational and research purposes only. No profit is made from any part of this website. If you hold the copyright on any material on the site, or material refers to you, and you would like it to be removed, please let us know and we will work with you to reach a resolution.
 

 Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon

Go down 
4 posters
AuthorMessage
Rory Reynolds




Posts : 65
Join date : 2017-07-02
Location : Farnham, Surrey

Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Empty
PostSubject: Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon   Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyWed Feb 05, 2020 9:03 pm

I have acquired an 1879 clasp medal to Levy Leader, Mr A. Smerdon (as named on the rim)

Any information on this gent and what he would have done in the war would be most appreciated.

Regards

Rory
Back to top Go down
Rory Reynolds




Posts : 65
Join date : 2017-07-02
Location : Farnham, Surrey

Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Empty
PostSubject: Re: Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon   Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyTue Mar 24, 2020 9:35 am

Although no reply was received to my earlier post, I pressed on with research and now provide my "story" of Smerdon below. Is it a fact that the Levy Leaders were issued medals WITHOUT clasps in all cases?

Arthur Smerdon

Levy Leader – Anglo Zulu War

- South African General Service with 1879 clasp to Levy Leader, A. Smerdon

Arthur Smerdon was born in about 1856, the son of William Smerdon and his wife Jane Rebecca.

Arthur had big shoes to fill – among his father’s many claims to fame were that he was a ship’s Captain, who had brought out some of the Byrne settlers in 1850 and who, electing to settle in Durban in the Colony of Natal, had founded and owned the Mount Edgecombe sugar estates to the north of that great port. He was also a notable politician, City Father and one of the founding members of the exclusive and prestigious Durban Club, as well as being the Protector of Indian Immigrants at one time.

Young Smerdon was raised in the rarified atmosphere of wealth and opulence and was, in the absence of any schools of any description, privately tutored. A Gentleman at leisure with nothing in the way of industry to keep him occupied, it can be supposed that his illustrious father involved him in the family business but there were other siblings as well to contend with in the forms of Harry Herbert, Annie Elizabeth, Edith, Mary, Lucy Isabelle and Helen Frances.

23 years old at the time the Anglo Zulu war broke out at the beginning of 1879; Smerdon would have read with horror the tragic events that unfolded at Isandlwana on 22 January. This massacre, once the details had begun to filter through to Pietermaritzburg and Durban, occasioned panic among the citizens of Natal. The dreaded barbarians were, in the minds of many, literally at the gate with little in the way of an army to defend them. The Durban Rifles and a motley assortment of other militia units were all that stood between them and a ghastly death.

Fortunately, the Zulus were not hell-bent on destruction and the good citizens of Durban and elsewhere were needlessly afraid. These events did, however, spur chaps like Smerdon into action – they too wanted to do their bit and ere long, he found himself as a Levy Leader, engaged in active service as part of District No. VI under the command of Colonial Commander George Lucas.

Among the names of those on the Levy leader medal roll are J.A. Polkinghorne and D.F. Buchanan – both leading lights in the Durban of old with Polkinghorne also becoming the Protector of Indian Immigrants in later years. A levy was a group of Zulus raised from one of the friendly local Chiefs who agreed to members of their tribe rendering assistance. A Levy Leader was normally a civilian, as in the case of Smerdon, who was placed in charge with officer’s rank, of a levy.

A passing reference is made to Smerdon in an article in The Scotsman of 13 August 1879 – under the banner heading Fort Lucas, June 29, 1879 the article read: -

‘I left the Lower Tugela Drift and rode about eighteen miles along the river bank up here. This fort has been built by the natives under Captain Lucas and the few European officers here. It is really a capital piece of workmanship, and, properly manned, would keep out a large force of Zulus. But there’s the difficulty. The material that Captain Lucas has to guard sixty-six miles of the river border – from Fort Pearson to the Umpesi River – is 3000 native levies and about 30 European officers.

This protective force in the present threatening attitude of the Zulus on the border is altogether inadequate to the necessities of the case. That Zulus may cross at any moment, at any rate, in moderate numbers, is proved by the fact that on Wednesday, the 25th instant, early in the morning a body of about 1000 crossed at Mambula Drift, ten miles above the Umpesi Drift.

They got as far as they wanted into the Colony, burning about 80 huts and killing a few Natal Kaffirs. Their progress was practically unresisted owing to the ridiculous fact of the native levies of the locality being allowed temporary leave of absence to pay their hut taxes.

In his quandary, the officer of the district made application to Captain Lucas’ nearest officer, and that official, acting on his own responsibility, went to the place with about 100 of his own natives, shot some Zulus as they were retreating, and recaptured about 30 of the cattle. The bulk of the native force under Captain Lucas’ orders have been employed in patrolling along highlands parallel to the military road, and as far as possible within sight of the Zulu country.

Communication between patrols has been kept up as well as well as direct communication between the patrols and the drift guards, which latter have been reinforced from the patrols as occasion required, and the forces massed in the rear of any drift threatened. The length of the frontier between the Umpesi is, as I have said, sixty-six miles, and now the river for this distance, and of course beyond it up country, is fordable at almost any point.

This fort is about 16 miles from Fort Pearson, overlooks the Enembe valley, and is one and a half miles from the Tugela. Large underground magazines have been constructed, and altogether it is a great credit to the following officers and the natives: Captain G.A. Lucas, W.F. Ashby, Staff officer and Paymaster, Lieutenant John Ritchie, Quartermaster William Pigg, and A. Smerdon, clerk and Interpreter.

The 3000 natives in the command are drawn from 34 tribes and, to judge from their enthusiasm and natural aptitude for military drill, there is no doubt that, in sufficient numbers and well-armed, they are valuable allies. As they stand at present, they certainly could not resist a combined or two or three simultaneous raids into the Colony; but they would, doubtless, be useful in harassing the enemy’s retreat.

Shortly after my arrival here yesterday a number of them arrived inside the fort to receive guns and clothing’.

To further augment Smerdon’s war effort, predating the above account, Major Walker, the Commandant of Stanger wrote to the Commandant, Durban on 31 January 1879 as follows: -

‘I beg to report for your information that Mr Arthur Smerdon has been allowed by the Colonial Government to act as clerk and interpreter to Captain Lucas. This gentleman lately acted very efficiently as a drift leader, and I beg to recommend for your consideration that he should be appointed in General Orders as Interpreter and Field Adjutant to Captain Lucas without extra pay.

Major Huskisson, Commanding the Base of Operations in Durban, recommended this request and the D.A.G., W. Bellairs, wrote the Colonial Secretary on 4 February 1879, asking if “this appointment should appear in General Orders?”

Mr. A.B.H. Mitchell, the Colonial Secretary, demurred, responding, “No I think not, he is merely a drift officer transferred to Captain Lucas for convenience in interpreting. The drift leaders have not been put in General Orders”.

This ended the attempts to have the services of Smerdon, and others similarly employed, officially recognized. For his efforts Smerdon was awarded the SAGS medal which came (to me) with a lose 1879 clasp on the ribbon.

Life for Smerdon and the Colony returned to normal after the Zulu King was finally defeated at the battle of Ulundi, and subsequently captured and exiled. His father, the redoubtable William Smerdon, passed away at the age of 76 on 11 September 1894, leaving a substantial estate to be divided amongst his heirs.

Smerdon was a “late bloomer” when it came to matters of the heart, only tying the knot at the age of 41 when, at St. Cyprian’s Church in Durban, he wed 22-year-old, Indian born, Annie Constance Young on 30 March 1897. Soon after he decided to take his wife to live in England. His daughter, Dorothy, was born in Paignton, Devon in 1898. This was followed by the birth of a second daughter, Isabel Macdonald Smerdon on 13 December 1900. Her baptism in the Parish of Radford, Warwickshire, revealed that Arthur Smerdon was a retired Sugar Planter.

The 1901 England census that followed showed that the family were living at “The Poplars” in Radford. Smerdon, aged 45, was “living on own means” and joined in the house by his 26-year-old wife and two daughters. At around the same time, on Thursday, 20 June 1901, it was announced that an “Attractive sale of Excellent Household Furniture at “The Poplars”, Radford, Semele, near Leamington Spa” would take place. Walter Collins “has been favoured with instructions from Arthur Smerdon Esq. who is leaving, To Sell By Auction on the premises, the whole of the household furniture and general effects”.
[You must be registered and logged in to see this image.]

Where was Smerdon going? From an account in the Natal Archives it would seem that he returned to Natal where he had property dealings until 1907. After that the trail in respect of himself and his family goes cold.
Back to top Go down
rai




Posts : 1085
Join date : 2009-10-16

Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Empty
PostSubject: Re: Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon   Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyTue Mar 24, 2020 12:04 pm

Hello Rory, Check the Smerdon Contact Forum, there are still smerdons in south Africa, I found a post [ From Allan Moor] about Arthurs father, Captain William Smerdon Married Jane Rebecca Mundy from oxfordshire in Cape Town, they had 9 kids including Helen, Lucy Isabella, Annie Elizabeth who married William t. Trafford who had the farm 'Rosetta' in Natal, Capt Will was master of the 'Natal' passenger ship, and was founder of Natal Sugar Mt Edgecombe on the North Coast of Natal.
Also Arthur's daughter Isabel Macdonald Smerdon b.13 Dec 1900,baptised 10 Feb 1901 at Radford Semele, Arthur is listed as Retired Sugar Planter. this would fit with the other info i have given.
Regards Rai Keynshamlighthorse.
Back to top Go down
90th

90th


Posts : 10911
Join date : 2009-04-07
Age : 68
Location : Melbourne, Australia

Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Empty
PostSubject: Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon    Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyTue Mar 24, 2020 5:04 pm

Hi Rory
Thanks for the update much appreciated.
Cheers 90th
Back to top Go down
1879graves

1879graves


Posts : 3388
Join date : 2009-03-03
Location : Devon

Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon Empty
PostSubject: Re: Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon   Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon EmptyTue Mar 24, 2020 7:03 pm

Hi Rory

Great research on Arthur Smerdon. Well done.

Salute
Back to top Go down
http://zuluwar1879.tribalpages.com
 
Levy Leader Mr A. Smerdon
Back to top 
Page 1 of 1
 Similar topics
-
» LIEUT. J. DOPPINGTON. TSHUMI NAT. LEVY
» Corporal F Bergman Hottentot Levy

Permissions in this forum:You cannot reply to topics in this forum
WWW.1879ZULUWAR.COM  :: 1879 ZULU WAR CAMPAIGN MEDAL-
Jump to: