Full medal write up
THE MOST HONOURABLE ORDER OF THE BATH, COMPANION'S (C.B.) BREAST BADGE, MILITARY DIVISION, SILVER-GILT AND ENAMEL; JUBILEE 1897, SILVER, UNNAMED AS ISSUED; SOUTH AFRICA 1877-79, CLASP, 1879 ‘MAJOR G. S. SCHWABE. 16TH LANCERS.’
C.B. London Gazette 26 June 1902.
George Salis-Schwabe was born in July 1843 into a notable family: his father, Salis Schwabe (originally known as Salomon ben Elias) was a successful North-German Jewish cotton printer and his mother, Julie, was a noted educationalist, philanthropist and founder of schools both within Britain and in Europe; they counted many famous members of society amongst their friends including Frederic Chopin and Charles Dickens. As may be expected, young Salis-Schwabe received a full and thorough education himself, principally at University College School and London University, before being commissioned Cornet in the 16th Lancers on 23 September 1863.
His military career saw him rise fairly rapidly through the ranks of two principal cavalry regiments: from the 16th he transferred to the 6th Dragoon Guards (Carabiniers) and by 17 March 1877 was Major in that regiment. In the intervening years he had also been appointed to a number of Staff posts - from 1872-73 he was Brigade-Major (Acting) Cavalry at Aldershot; Brigade-Major Cavalry for the Curragh District from 1873-75; and found himself back at Aldershot from 1875-77 as Brigade-Major Cavalry. As a Staff Officer with significant experience of this work, in addition to regimental duties earlier in his career, Salis-Schwabe was selected for 'Special Service' during the Anglo-Zulu War; he embarked for Natal with cavalry drafts and later served during the campaign as Commandant of the Native Carrier Corps which he organised in addition to commanding. Initially formed from the 2,000-strong Natal Border Guard, who as soldiers……
SEE PDF FOR FULL WRITEUP
Condition GVF, medals with a pleasing dark patina. A rare group to a 16th Lancers Officer and Zulu War Commandant.