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.
|