Seamen James & Perrins, HMS Active

On 9 January '79 members of the Active's naval brigade were engaged in hauling a wire hawser back to the Zulu side of the river. The previous night the river had flood and pulled loose the anchor that was securing the hawser, and swept it into the river.

As the crew was working their way across the river the pont was overturned and swept the men into the river. Among them was Seaman D. Martin who was swept away.

Disregarding their own safety Ordinary Seaman Joseph James and Leading Seaman Robert John Perrins jumped into the river in an attempt to rescue Martin. Martin went under the water and was presumed drowned. (At the time there were crocodiles in the river.)

When Pearson's column crossed the river James and Perrins were part of the naval brigade that accompanied Pearson. They were both in the Battle of Inyezane, and were part of the garrison held up at Fort Ekowe.

After Pearson's forces were relieved in April, the naval brigade went down to Fort Pearson to recuperate. At Sunday services on 18 May '79 James and Perrins were each awarded the Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal. (RHS Case #20544)

The Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal was inroduced in 1837, and was "Awarded to people who have put their own lives at great risk to save or attempt to save someone else."

Joseph James awarded South Africa General Service Medal with clasp 1879; promoted to Able Seaman.

Richard John Perrins, age 23, awarded South Africa General Service Medal with clasp 1877-8-9.

Petty Officer Tom

Hi Petty Officer Tom

I see from the The Royal Humane Society's website that A/Sub-Lieut H. Coatesworth (Cotesworth), HMS Boadicea, was awarded The Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for his actions on the 4th April 1879 at the Tugela River, Case No. 20632.

Do you know or can you add anymore information to the above?

John Carroll Diary Log of H.M.S. Active Sat Oct 17, 2009 10:18 pm

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Part 10

of the 25 000 sent against Woods column, to the Kings kraal, Grandier said also that the king nearly cried on hearing of this defeat by Woods column.
30th-Tenedos's party came down here from Ginqinlovo. They are ordered aboard. MAY


Another month has just dawned upon us. Plenty of work has been done during the past month, in supplying each column with provisions and stores for the final campaign. No movements yet on the part of the enemy. H.M.Gunship Forester while taking soundings with the idea of landing troops and stores at point Durnford 30 miles from the mouth of Tugela, and 15 or 16 miles from the camp at Ginqinlovo, on the 24th of march, when close inshore with boats, and the men were quitely getting dinner having anchored, when suddenly a volley was fired at them from a bush ashore, it was the work of a moment to up anchor returning the fire, also, another volley was then fired from the beach at them, but without harm to men or boat although very close to them. The Forester then commenced shelling the bush, but they had not the means of ascertaining how many were killed, but out of 40 cattle that were seen 36 were killed by the shots. It is very evident that if they succeed in this object, it will be a great saving in transport. 6th-160 men down from fort Chelmsford sick. Paid money today left it behind. 8th-Brought a letter from Punkhurst, together with a book, paper and envelopes, He says in it that the letter I wrote him on the 7th April after out retreat from Eshowe, in which I gave him a detail of everything " he has sent home to have printed". A pont bridge has been made to span the river in its low state. Another one is being made to span it at high water. 18th-During the past few days nothing of importance has occurred. At divine service this morning, Sunday. The Bronze medals of the Royal Humane Society was presented to Revd.Perrin L.S, and Ino.James.ord for gallantiy attempting to save the life of Daniel Martin A.B Active, From drowning. Very large convoys leave here every day, for Ginqinlovo, Dubulamanyi has been shot by his own people.

Acting Sub.-Lieut. Cotesworth, H. . Was Naval A.D.C. to Gen. Crealock, and accompanied the Div. to Port Durnford.

1879graves,

I thought someone might ask about him.

Acting Sub-Lieutenant Hugh Cotesworth (age 19) received his Royal Humane Society Bronze Medal for saving the life of Stoker William Lock (age 22) who was in danger of drowning in the Lower Tugela river on 4 April 1879.

Apparently Lock got no further than into the river, since one had to cross the river in order to qualify for a clasp on the South Africa General Service Medal. The Medal Roll does not show him entitled to clasp.

Both men were part of the Naval Brigade from HMS Boadicea.

Petty Officer Tom

As far as I can tell, Cotesworth, James & Perrins are the only members of the Naval Brigade to have received the Bronze Medal for lifesaving during the Zulu War.

Petty Officer Tom

Hi Petty Officer Tom

Many thanks for clearing up the Cotesworth Bronze Medal. I can now add that to the database.

Hugh Cotesworth was my great-great-great uncle (my great-grandmother's uncle). He was later Commander, and he died on active service on board HMS Barracouta in 1901. If anyone has any more information about his service in the 1879 war I would be very pleased to here it.

Thanks

SCH

SCH,

I started a separate thread for Hugh Cotesworth.

http://1879zuluwar.forumotion.com/t3667-sub-lieutenant-hugh-cotesworth#17290

Petty Officer Tom