Douglas de Fenzi

[William Douglas]

Researching the Douglas of Garvald family, I encountered the Douglas de Fenzi family

Confusing press reports - Douglas of Garvald - The Douglas Archives...

Returning to that research, I found a South African army officer with an interesting background.

A gravemarker records the following:

In loving memory of John Douglas de Fenzi
Late Captain of the
British German Legion
and formerly of the
Prussian Guard Cuirassiers
who died 25th Octr 1871
Aged 45 years
The Lord is my shepherd
illegible

In 1854 the British government began recruiting mercenaries in Europe to fight in the Crimean War. The war was over before any of the three German, Swiss, and Italian legions raised could reach the front, and the government was faced with the problem of disposing of these redundant mercenaries. It was consequently relieved to oblige when the High Commissioner for South Africa requested military settlers for British Kaffraria. The men of the British German Legion (BGL) were encouraged to volunteer, and in 1856 the majority did so. They proved unsuccessful settlers, however. In 1858 half of them volunteered for military service in the Indian Mutiny, and those remaining in British Kaffraria were disbanded in 1861.

John Douglas de Fenzi apparently chose not to go to India, but my interest, beyond his family connection, is how did he become a member of the Prussian Guard Cuirassiers?  Was this also a mercenary role?

Presumably, he was living in Britain when recruited for the BGL - or was he in Germany?

What role did he have in the Prussian Guard Cuirassiers? And where?

[William Douglas]

I am still no closer to solving the puzzle, but this interested me:

Rene Francois Douglas de Fenzi Berrange joined the 2nd Infantry, South African Forces on 8 October 1914 in the rank of Private, and served in German South West Africa. He received a commission into the Queen’s Regiment on 5 December 1915, with whom he served in France and Flanders for the duration of the war (M.C. & bar and Belgian Croix de Guerre). During the Second War he served with the Essential Services Protection Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Protea Commendation, Birthday Honour 1946). 

M.C. London Gazette 22 June 1918 ‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. When in command of a raiding party, which was taking up its position in no mans land, he was suddenly confronted by a hostile raiding party. He thereupon at once led his men to attack the hostile party, with the result that the latter were driven back to their own trenches with heavy casualties, leaving prisoners in our hands. His coolness and powers of leadership were most marked.’

Bar to M.C. London Gazette 30 July 1919 ‘For great courage and able leadership in the actions near Comines. On September 28th and 29th 1918, he commanded the right leading company and on September 30th the right support company. During these actions his company captured one 5.9 inch gun, one trailer, one lorry, one complete battery of field guns, 12 machine-guns, and 30 prisoners. He captured the 5.9 inch himself, killing two of the detachment, including an officer, and capturing another. He did fine work.’

Belgian Croix de Guerre London Gazette 4 September 1919.

Rene Francois Douglas de Fenzi Berrange joined the 2nd Infantry, South African Forces on 8 October 1914 in the rank of Private, and served in German South West Africa. He received a commission into the Queen’s Regiment on 5 December 1915,with whom he served in France and Flanders for the duration of the war (M.C. & bar and Belgian Croix de Guerre). During the Second War he served with the Essential Services Protection Corps, attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (Protea Commendation, Birthday Honour 1946).

Rene was the son of Daniel Berrange and Veronique Mostert.  

In his will, Réné François Douglas-de-Feuzi Berrangé mentions two sisters Neva and Nina, two nephews Carlyon Lucian and John (“Jack”) Christopher and a cousin Gwendolyn Flora Douglas Lauchlan-Smith (neé Douglas-de-Fenzi).  Gwendolyn Flora Douglas de Fenzi 1st married Johannes Christoffel (John Christopher) Berrangé.