Description
Queen’s South Africa, 3 bars, OFS, SA 1901, SA 1902, Private Albert Edward “Bertie” Odell, Harrismith Volunteer Light Horse, noted Watchmaker and Jeweller in the town of Harrismith.
Officially impressed: “113 Tpr [A.E.] Odell. Harrismith Vol L.H.”
Bracketed initials hand engraved, a neat correction probably done by recipient, who by chance was an Expert Engraver, to correct the medal roll.
Photograph of him was uploaded online by a relative, it ca found along with some family details here:
https://www.geni.com/people/Albert-Edward-Odell/6000000138538091828
A scarce medal to the Harrismith Volunteer Light Horse, who received only about 150 medals for service, the town was torn between both sides in the war, being a “Boer” Town in the Orange Free State, before becoming occupied by the British in August 1900.
Their Boer Counterpart was the “Harrismith Commando”, those who lived in the area for 3 years would become eligible to serve in the Boer Commando, as the Odells were originally British they sided with the Imperial Forces against the Boers.
S.A. Watt wrote in his article on Harrismith for the SAMHS:
‘The advent of war with Britain provided an uneasy situation for the English-speaking people resident in Harrismith.
According to law, after three years’ residence in the Free State, they automatically became citizens, and as such were eligible to be called up for military service.
Some of these men, while refusing to fight their kith and kin, undertook guard duties in the town in order to fulfil their obligations as citizens. It was understood that instructions from the Chief Commandant, M Prinsloo, (who had been elected to command the Orange Free State forces) were that no citizen of British extraction should be commandeered, but this pledge was broken. Those who refused to fight protested, were arrested and prosecuted. Thirty-five men were sentenced to a fine of 300 Pounds or three years imprisonment. Six, who had left the town were sentenced in absentia to a fine of 500 Pounds or five years. The remainder, who felt they owed allegiance to their country, joined the Boer ranks.’
3 Men with the surname “Odell” served in the unit during the Boer War, being a local family.
The medal roll records that Number 113 was supposed to be a “J.T. Odell”.
Number 67, H.T. (Henry Thomas) Odell, born 1878, his big brother, was a local Harrismith “Saddler”
66 C. Odell, was the other, looks to be his other brother.
Albert Edward Odell, aka “Bertie” to those who knew him, was born in Pietermaritzburg, Natal, on 21st July 1882.
Son of Henry Thomas Odell (Born 1842 in England) and Elizabeth Caroline Lockhard Odell (Born Sturton).
The family came to live in Harrismith.
Albert died in Harrismith, working as a Jeweller, at the young age of 36 on 22nd October 1918.
He had sadly caught the Spanish Flu, which was raging around the globe at that time and was particularly to younger people.
The Natal Witness writes: “ODELL – At his residence, Vowe Street, Harrismith, OFS, on October 22nd 1918, Albert Edward (Bertie) Odell, aged 36, from Spanish Influenza. Deeply Mourned. His end was peace.”
Notably his 2 older brothers joined up at the same time, with service numbers 66 and 67, then young Albert then joining up as number 113.
User “Dognose” “Trev” on the 925-1000.com Hallmarks database sourced the following information regarding A.E. Odell and Co,Watchmakers and Jewellers on Stuart Street in Harrismith, running a “Bijouterie of Horlogerie” which was kindly sourced from the Book, The Orange River Colony: An illustrated, Historical, Descriptive and Commercial Review – Macmillan & Ferguson – 1905,
Link to the thread here:
https://www.925-1000.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=15236&start=20
“A. E. ODELL & Co.
Practical Watchmakers and Jewellers, Stuart Street, Harrismith.
Specializations is the trend of every industry, art and science. It is illustrated in the productions of the manufacturer, and in the creations of the painter and sculptor: and the time is bound to come when each individual will be employed solely in that particular department of activity for which his capabilities, natural or acquired, best qualify him. The commercial and industrial aspect of Harrismith, at present, certainly does not exemplify specialization. On the contrary, most of its firms devote themselves to a conglomeration of trades, and their respective establishments are stocked with bewildering assortments of the commodities of the world’s markets. There are, however, one or two individuals who, confining their entire attention to well defined avocations, are affording to the public all the advantages which specialization therein creates. Among these is the firm of Messrs. A. E. Odell & Co., whose remarkable skill in the many delicate operations associated with the watchmaking and jewellery trade must be duly recognised by us in our review of the town.
In their attractive establishment in Stuart Street no goods outside the sphere of the avocation are to be seen. There is nothing in that methodically arranged and well kept shop but those precious materials which have been the object of human desire throughout untold ages, and which will continue so until gold, silver and precious stones cease to be the embodiment of wealth and power. The young man desirous of obtaining “something out of the common ” in an engagement ring, or the happy individual whose sentiment seeks expression in the purchase of that plain little circlet of gold which religious and secular laws and customs render imperative, are frequent visitors to the establishment, in which the large selection displayed is well calculated to meet the requirements of the most fastidious mortal who ever sought to captivate and retain a lady’s heart. And should he be of a poetic or romantic turn of mind, the firm will engrave at his request a pretty and appropriate motto of any kmd on his purchase–the ring, not the heart–with the utmost expedition and proficiency. Brooches, bracelets, and watches of the most novel and artistic designs are also displayed in such abundant variety that his nuances must indeed be in a state inconsistent with the approaching momentous event, who does not succumb to their attractions and leave the establishment with more extensive purchases than were intended on first entering. The shop is also a popular resort of every lady on the outlook for the most acceptable present for beau or relative, and the collection of articles of jewellery which “the lord of creation” most appreciates, such as scarf pins, watch chains, studs, links, cigar, cigarette and card cases, match boxes, etc., would be difficult to find surpassed in the Colony. Magnificent presentation plate of all kinds is also on view; while the firm’s assortment of clocks indicates the great efforts which are being put forth by the manufacturers towards the attainment of the highest standard in the ornamentation and utility of their productions.
The firm are noted for the expert way in which they execute gilding, engraving, electroplating, and repairs of every description.
The premises have been devoted to the watchmaking and jewellery trade since 1892, in which year the business was started by Messrs Myers Bros., who carried it on until 1896, when it was taken over by Mr. A. G. Robbins. In 1901, Mr. A. E. Odell, who had been employed in the concern since 1896, bought the business; and since then, under his able direction, it has developed in a very praiseworthy manner.”
