"Ex-Sergeant Major Craven" - a Curio.

Subject: "Ex-Sergeant Major Craven" - a Curio. Fri Aug 27, 2021 2:13 pm

While compiling a list of Egyptian and Mahdist war casualties, I've come across this interesting chap, who seems not to have been discussed here before and is perhaps the largest 'Walter Mitty' of them all - "Ex-Sergeant-Major Craven".
If you believe his account - and I don't(!) - he was everywhere, including Gettysburg, Sedan, Little Big Horn, the AZW, Robert's March to Kandahar, Kassassin, Tel-el-Kebir, and San Juan Hill. Recommended for a VC, he got a DCM. And an Iron Cross to boot. Needless to say, I can't find his name listed as a member of the 17th Lancers, during the AZW, as he claimed.

All the best,
Lee

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Subject: Re: "Ex-Sergeant Major Craven" - a Curio. Sat Aug 28, 2021 6:58 am

Harry Flashman weep your heart out

Subject: '' Ex - Sergeant Major Craven '' ; a curio Sun Aug 29, 2021 1:59 am

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA what a story and that is exactly what it is ....a story . I remember it was the 7th Cavalry at LBH , not the 6th Cavalry ! . Agree Frank !
90th Joker

Subject: Re: "Ex-Sergeant Major Craven" - a Curio. Sun Aug 29, 2021 9:06 pm

But it is a very good soldier’s story. They believe him back in the day.

Posts : 1085 Join date : 2009-10-16

Hi All,
Ya, could not find anything on this storyteller, but i did find,
John William Craven No.1429 1/24th, attested 1 Feb 1867, age 19, born Sheffield 1848. To S Africa 28 Nov 1874, in Hospital Cape Town 2 Jan 1875, in Kingswilliamtown 31 Aug 1877 landed Gosport UK 2 Oct 1879. Kaffir War 77-78 clasp only. Discharged 8 Feb 1877 in Birr Ireland 20 yrs. Married Emily Stocker, St Botolph's Colchester 6 June 1881. He possibly dies June Qtr 1895 in Sheffield District.
Rai Keynshamlighthorse.

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