Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, no bar, 89 Private George Zachariah Bowles, Kokstad Town Guard.
Officially impressed: “89 Pte G. Z. Bowles. Kokstad T.G.”
154 Men on the medal roll for this unit, but only 64 would be issued to the recipients, the remainder being unclaimed.
George Zachariah Bowles, aged about 20 after the end of the Boer War, then became a Stock Inspector for the Vryheid and Utrecht Districts during late 1902.
As a Stock Inspector and Innoculator on behalf of the Natal Government, had to deal with many White Farmers and also local Zulu cattle owners.
He spent almost 2 years in the role, before his inexperience caught up to him. The District Veterinary Surgeon at Vryheid, Charles Tyler, would write send a memorandum to the authorities asking for young Bowles’s dismissal from his role.
The reccomendation dated 12th May 1904 sent to the Minister of Agriculture reads: “This is the man (Bowles) who was implicated in the Crole Case. I propose to discharge him.”
“I recommend the dismissal of G. Z. Bowles, as I do not regard him as a competent man.”
The request was granted and The Deputy Minister on 18th May 1904 replied stating: “I enclose a cheque for £20 for Bowles’ dismissal. Part of the memorandum, dated 12 May 1904.
