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Archiver > BOER-WAR > 2003-09 > 1064651610


From: "David Humphry" <>
Subject: Re: [BOER-WAR] Trooper Tom Morris
Date: Sat, 27 Sep 2003 09:34:02 +0100
References: <85a8nvkh8hfmjieunevfcfpcreb5tml3ku@4ax.com>


Hello Paul,

It sounds like someone was being a bit premature. It's possible that he was
recommended for a VC but the recommendation was rejected. This did happen
and I can confirm that he didn't receive a VC. However the only other
decoration he could have been awarded at that time was the Distinguished
Conduct Medal but I can also confirm that he wasn't awarded a DCM either. He
may have been Mentioned in Despatches (MID) instead but that's a long way
removed from a VC unless the recipient didn't survive. Until recently the
only combat awards which could be made posthumously were the VC or MID but
it appears he survived the war.

Regards,

David

----- Original Message -----
From: Paul Benyon <>
To: <>
Sent: Friday, September 26, 2003 1:02 PM
Subject: [BOER-WAR] Trooper Tom Morris


>
> I have the following extract which appears to imply that Trooper Morris
> was to receive the VC, however a check through on-line sources and
> correspondence with relatives alive now suggests that he never received
> it:
>
> >From the Illustrated London News Dec 1899 - Apr 1900 I have the
> following extract:
>
> "The Colonies should share the good things of the Empire has become more
> than ever in accordance with the fitness of things. It is only right,
> therefore, that the war in South Africa, which has united as well as
> divided, should be the means of taking that most coveted decoration, the
> Victoria Cross, to Australasia.
>
> Trooper Tom Morris, of the New South Wales Lancers, is the happy man
> who, " for valour," is the recipient of the Cross that will mark him out
> as a hero on his return to the Antipodes. Indeed, on his return through
> London Trooper Tom Morris, V.C., is pretty sure of a welcome from the
> citizens that will exceed in enthusiasm, if that is possible, the cheers
> which formed the Colonial's send- off when they were outward bound."
>
> There is a photo of Trooper Morris at
>
> http://www.pbenyon.plus.com/ILN_1899-1900/Trooper_Morris_VC.html
>
> with links to letters of the period, the second of which also mentions
> the VC.
>
> Could it be that he was merely recommended for the VC, but that at the
> end of the day it was decided that his act of bravery didn't warrant the
> award - and if not could it be that he received another award - and if
> so what ?
>
> Paul




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