Shoeing Smith Alfred Ernest Ind

Royal Horse Artillery XI section Pom Poms

20th December 1901
 
 
 
Shoeing Smith Alfred Ernest Ind VC
 
 

     On December 20. 1901, a sharp action was fought in the Orange River Colony, at a place called Tafelkop. So fierce and accurate was the fire of the enemy, that the whole of those serving the Pompom had, with the exception of Ind, been shot down. Disregarding his comrades' fate, Ind stuck to his post, firing into the advancing Boers until the last possible moment. So heroic was his behaviour on this occasion, that Captain Jeffcoat, mortally wounded as he was, signified his wish that Ind's conduct be brought to the notice of his superior officer, and, eventually, to the authorities, for not only had he, on this special occasion, behaved with conspicuous bravery, but on every one in which he had been engaged since his section had been in action.

    Alfred Ernest Ind is the son of George Ind, of Tetbury, Gloucestershire, where he was born on September 16, 1872. Entered the Royal Horse Artillery on February 19, 1901, being promoted Corporal subsequent to the action above described. For his services during the war has been awarded the Queen's and King's medal with clasps to each, and is now a member of that celebrated battery known as the " Chestnut Troop." He was once wounded, and four times mentioned in despatches, including that in which he was named for the Victoria Cross, which was pinned to his breast at Buckingham Palace, November 26, 1902, by H.M. the King.

 

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