Lot Essay
D.C.M. London Gazette 28.1.1902.
Sergeant R. Rowland, M.B.E., D.C.M., first came to notice during the Defence of Mafeking when he commanded the Baralongs with distinction and was wounded in the Boer attack of 12.5.1900. Baden-Powell mentioned him for gallantry in the Mafeking Mail (dated 22.5.1900):
'Corporal R. Rowland (30 men) Bechuanaland Rifles (wounded), in charge of Natives, assisted the Baralongs materially in the defence of their Stadt, especially at the western end in the evening, when, with a small party, he successfully contested the exit of the Boers till ordered to retire being wounded himself, and losing one killed and one wounded of his party.'
Rowland had been promoted Corporal when he took charge of the Baralongs and was later advanced to Sergeant. During the Guerilla War he continued his gallant acts and was recommended for an award by Lieutenant-Colonel Von Donop after the latter's Column was attacked by De La Rey at Kleinfontein on 24.10.1901:
'104 Sgt. R. Rowland, Bechuanaland Rifles, hearing that the rearguard and guns had been cut off, galloped back to the latter with some men whom he collected together - he returned again under heavy fire to bring news of the guns being safe. This N.C.O. has, I believe, been twice mentioned in despatches previously - He is most reliable and cool in emergency' (War Office records and London Gazette 17.1.1902 refer).
He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for this act and during the War was twice Mentioned in Despatches. As well as his Mafeking wound, Rowland was wounded at Wolmaransstad on 6.3.1901.
Sergeant R. Rowland, M.B.E., D.C.M., first came to notice during the Defence of Mafeking when he commanded the Baralongs with distinction and was wounded in the Boer attack of 12.5.1900. Baden-Powell mentioned him for gallantry in the Mafeking Mail (dated 22.5.1900):
'Corporal R. Rowland (30 men) Bechuanaland Rifles (wounded), in charge of Natives, assisted the Baralongs materially in the defence of their Stadt, especially at the western end in the evening, when, with a small party, he successfully contested the exit of the Boers till ordered to retire being wounded himself, and losing one killed and one wounded of his party.'
Rowland had been promoted Corporal when he took charge of the Baralongs and was later advanced to Sergeant. During the Guerilla War he continued his gallant acts and was recommended for an award by Lieutenant-Colonel Von Donop after the latter's Column was attacked by De La Rey at Kleinfontein on 24.10.1901:
'104 Sgt. R. Rowland, Bechuanaland Rifles, hearing that the rearguard and guns had been cut off, galloped back to the latter with some men whom he collected together - he returned again under heavy fire to bring news of the guns being safe. This N.C.O. has, I believe, been twice mentioned in despatches previously - He is most reliable and cool in emergency' (War Office records and London Gazette 17.1.1902 refer).
He received the Distinguished Conduct Medal for this act and during the War was twice Mentioned in Despatches. As well as his Mafeking wound, Rowland was wounded at Wolmaransstad on 6.3.1901.