Description
Queen’s South Africa, bar Transvaal, 353 Private Thomas “Tom” Tame, South African Constabulary, with detailed file of SAC service and attestation papers. From Abingdon Berks.
Officially impressed: “353 Pte T. Tame. S.A.C.”
Thomas Tame was born during 1875 in Long Wittenham, Abingdon, Berks.
He was raised in the “Beer House” his father also named Thomas and mother Eliza ran the local Pub, noting him in 1881 as “Journeyman Carpenter and Beer Retailer” at the “Beer House” on the High Street in Long Wittenham.
By 1891 he lived in Dorchester, where his father was Publican of “The Chequers” at Bridge End, Dorchester.
The Chequers still stands we believe and is now Grade II listed.
He is shown on the census as “Tom Tame”.
His mother tragically died of Alcoholism during 1907, which was covered in the local Faringdon Advertiser in a detailed article. There was a lengthy inquest which found out that she had been addicted to drink for over 14 years and her Husband had gone round all the local pubs and asked them not to serve her, but she had gone ahead anyway.
He signed up with the South African Constabulary at the St Pauls Church yard in London 10th January 1901, stating that he could Ride, Shoot and Swim.
He got references from his local Reverend, Rev N.C.S. Poynter of the Vicarage in Dorchester and Mr Thomas Pettit, of Wallingford.
He was working as a Warehouseman at the time.
He served about 5 years with the SAC, rising up the ranks of the various Constable grades t become Acting Lance Corporal by 1st March 1905, “While in Charge of Men at the Charge Office.”
He was discharged on 12th march 1906 with the rank of Constable following the end of his 5 years of service, having extended it a few times.
His Officer Commanding, 15 Troop had said of him earlier: “2nd Class Trooper Tame bears a Good Character, is Sober and takes an interest in his work, good education and a good horseman.”
