Orders, Decorations and Medals

A fine Boer War D.S.O. for the defence of Ladybrand in a group of nine awarded to Colonel Frederick White, Royal Marine Light Infantry
Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels; Egypt 1882-89, 3 clasps, Alexandria 11th July, Suakin 1884, El-Teb - Tamaai (Lieut., R.M.L.I., H.M.S. Temeraire); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (Major, R.M.L.I.); King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (Lt.Col., D.S.O., R.M.L.I.); 1914-15 Star (Bt.Col., D.S.O.); British War and Victory Medals (Bt.Col.); Order of the Medjidie, 5th class breast badge in silver, gold and enamel; Khedive’s Star 1882, some chipping to enamels but generally very fine and a rare group to the Royal Marines (9)

Colonel Frederick White was born 14th October 1861, son of Major George White, R.M.L.I. He joined the Royal Marine Light Infantry in February 1879, and served in the Egyptian Expedition of 1882-4, taking part in the bombardment of Alexandria, occupation of the lines of the town, and occupation of Port Said. He again saw active service in the Sudan in 1884, and was present at the battles of El-Teb and Tamaii, and the relief of Tokar. The following extract is from Colonel Tuson’s despatch: “Lieutenant White was personally ordered by the Major-General Commanding to charge the left redoubt of the enemy’s position at Teb with his company. He rushed to the front, when two of the enemy sprang on him, one on each side. He cut one man down twice with his sword, when Private Birtwhistle rushed to his assistance and forced his bayonet right through the black, breaking it short off. The black then severely wounded Private Birtwhistle, who clubbed his musket and brained him. The other black was stopped attacking Lieutenant White by Private Fine Yerbury, who caught the man by the hair of his head, spinning him round and round so that he could not use his assegai, when Sergeant Major Hirst rushed to the front and despatched him. Those four were also in a dangerous position in front of the attack at the time, as the fire from the side of the square was still continued on each side of them.”White was promoted Captain 1888, Major 1896, and was on the Staff, Royal Marines from June 1896 to February 1899.
He served in the South African War 1900-1902, as Special Service Officer, including service as D.A.A.G. H.Q. Cape Town; Railway Staff Officer, Sierkstroon Commandant, Bethulie Ridges, and District command under the Military Governor, Orange River Colony, including the action at Wittebergen (mentioned in despatches London Gazette 10.9.1901). For the defence of Ladybrand he was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, London Gazette 27 September, 1901.

Defence of Ladybrand
“This little post was held by 80 men of the 1st Worcester Regiment, 43 Wiltshire Yeomanry, and 30 local volunteers, the whole under the command of Major F. White, R.M.L.I. On the evening of September 1st a patrol came in with a report of the approach of the enemy from Modderpoort, and on the 2nd, at 7.30 a.m., a letter, signed by Commandant Fourie, was sent in asking for the immediate surrender of the garrison. White, having replied that if Fourie wanted the garrison he had better come and take it, posted the whole of his slender force on an intrenched hill to the south-west of the town. Fourie, with 800 men, opened shell and rifle fire, worked up to the post, and surrounded it on all sides. For three days and nights, however, the little garrison held firm. Of the Worcesters, Lieutenants Dorman and Moss and Corporal Kirkham, and of the Yeomanry Lieutenant Henderson and Sergeant-Major Lyford deserve special mention in this very fine defence, which Major White directed with marked resolution and ability. The town was relieved by Bruce Hamilton on the morning of September 5th.” (Ref The Times History of the War in South Africa 1900-1902).
He became Lt-Colonel in April 1903, was given the Brevet of Colonel in April 1906, and retired with the rank of Colonel on 11 April, 1909. Colonel White was Draft Conducting Officer from 1915 to 1919.
Only 8 clasps for Wittebergen were issued to Royal Marines, and only 13 King’s South Africa medals, White being the most senior Royal Marine recipient.