LT C Jenkins NNC 4th

Posts : 75 Join date : 2010-09-06 Location : Tenterden

Hi All

I have the opportunity of acquiring the medal for the above officer.

I believe he was promoted to Lt by Chelmsford in the field as a result of leading an attack against the Zulus at Nyezane - does anyone have any info?

Happy Christmas and Healthy New Year to all.

David

Subject: Re: LT C Jenkins NNC 4th Sat Dec 22, 2012 11:53 am

Lieutenant C. Jenkins, Natal Native Contingent and Cape Mounted Rifles, late Royal Navy.

Newspaper cutting, an extract of which reads, ‘I am glad to learn that the Government has granted an increase of the pension allowed to ex-Lieut. Charles Jenkins, a native of Ventnor, of the Cape Mounted Rifles ... for distinguished conduct in the field during the Zulu War of 1879. Lieut. Jenkins daringly made the charge single-handed with revolver and sword upon a number of Zulus who were defending their own kraal, but were forced by him to retreat, seven of the enemy being left dead ... It was owing to the action of Lieut. Jenkins that an army of Zulus who were coming over the hill at the battle of Inyazana ... were successfully put to flight ... Lord Chelmsford afterwards recommended the soldier for promotion from Sergeant-Major to Lieutenant.’

The unusual medals of Lieut. C. Jenkins.
1st medal engraved; ‘Baltic’ C. Jenkins Boy 2nd C. H.M.S. Ajax
2nd medal, South Africa Campaign Medal; clasp 1877-8-9, engraved Lieut. C. Jenkins 4th
Battn. N.N.C.
3rd medal Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal 1880-1897, clasp Basutoland. engraved Pte C. Jenkins C.M. Rif. (Cape Mounted Rifles Ed.)
Apart from his bravery, the promotion is unusual, as is the increased pension award. It appears that Lieut. Jenkins later served as a private soldier in the Basuto campaign.

Posts : 75 Join date : 2010-09-06 Location : Tenterden

Hi Littlehand

Very well done - brilliant!

Were there any other occasions when Chelmsford did this during the War.

Regards

David

Posts : 558 Join date : 2012-05-05

And he was granted a pension Salute

"Ex-Lieut. Jenkins wears three medals. One was awarded for services in the Navy during the Russian War, 1854-5, another for services during the Zulu War, with bar, 1877-8-9; and the third is a Cape general Service medal, with bar, for the Basuto War. The rev. R.W. Colquhoun heard of these facts, and immediately communicated with the War Office authorities and pointed out to them the brave services rendered to his country by this old soldier, and by said services, should be recognised by his countrymen. As a result of the thoughtful action of the Vicar of Ventnor, an additional pension has been granted to ex-Lieut. Jenkins."