Captain Bethall.

Posts : 1849 Join date : 2009-03-25

As anyone got any information on a Captain Bethall. Read below.

Marter was sent by Lord Chelmsford to make the reconnaissance into Zululand, in order to determine the line of advance of 2nd Division, with two squadrons- a ride of about fifty miles. On the way back, while Marter was occupied with the rearguard, Captain Bethall, KDG, took it upon himself to trot off with the main body back to camp. This left three officers and nineteen men on there own in enemy territory with broken country and fading light. Marter with another officer and six men managed to reach camp some two hours after dark, but the remainder were stranded without food or cloaks for the night. The remaining two officers and all the men, bar three, came in at midday the following day. Two of the missing men whose horses had died, were brought in later that day, whilst the final man was not found until the third day.

Was he court marshalled for leaving the men in enemy territory?
Source: 1st King's Dragoon Guards

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi 24th

A little information on him for you

Captain, J. M. Benthall, 1st Dragoon Guards.
Captain John Matthew Benthall was born at Upton, Torquay on 6 August 1840, the family home was “Furzewell House” in March 1857 he became an Articled Clerk to John Gridley, an Exeter solicitor, but he did not take to this profession and asked his guardian, the Rev. John Benthall of Newport Pagnell to help him obtain a commission in the army. Eventually he passed the examination and, obtained by purchase, a commission as an Ensign in the Military Train as from 20 December 1859. After his marriage to Maria Samuda he exchanged into the Dragoon Guards. The regiment arrived in Natal on 10 April 1879 he served as Captain of “C” Troop, on 26 May he was put under arrest for sleeping in an ambulance after getting wet through, he was released with a ”Devil of a WiggIng” .Retiring on half-pay 1 February 1882 he became Lt-Col. 31 December 1882 and died on 2 June 1888.

Subject: Re: Captain Bethall. Sun Sep 12, 2010 9:02 pm

Doe's he count as Devon connection member.

Captain, Benthall, J.M. Served at Conference Hill during the war, until emplyed at sick horse depot at Landsman's Drift.

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi Littlehand

Yes he does Idea

Subject: Capt Benthall. Mon Sep 13, 2010 12:50 am

hi all .
I thought this chaps name was familiar so I checked my sales book of zulu war medals . Jim Bullock militaria had
the Bethnall Medal for sale on the 10 / 8 / 08 for 1,250 pds , condition described as ' Very Fine ' . It was sold on
or before 31 / 12 / 09. I think 1879graves may have a photo of it ?.
cheers 90th Idea

.

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi All

Hey 90th, have you been looking / accessing my Database :lol!:

As 90th says, I have a photograph of the medal

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South Africa bar”1879”, Capt. Benthall, 1 Dragoon Guards.

Subject: Capt. Bethnall Tue Sep 14, 2010 6:59 am

hi 1879graves .
I thought I may have sent it to you ? , but I may be wrong :lol!: :lol!:
cheers 90th.

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

Hi 90th

Yes you did send it to me :lol!: :lol!: :lol!: :lol!:

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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Torquay Times, and South Devon Advertiser 08 June 1888

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Location - Kensal Green Cemetery (Kensington and Chelsea)

Posts : 3036 Join date : 2009-03-03 Location : Devon

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Location - Kensal Green Cemetery (Kensington and Chelsea)