Randolph Nesbitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Randolph Nesbitt
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| Born | 20 September 1867 |
| Died | 23 July 1956 (aged 88) Cape Town, South Africa |
| Allegiance |  United Kingdom |
| Service/ |
Rhodesian Forces |
| Rank | Major |
| Unit | Mashonaland Mounted Police |
| Battles/wars | Mashona Rebellion |
| Awards | Victoria Cross |
Randolph Cosby Nesbitt was a very brave soldier. He was born in South Africa in 1867. He later became a Rhodesian soldier. He received the Victoria Cross, which is the highest award for bravery in the British and Commonwealth countries. This award is given for amazing acts of courage.
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Who Was Randolph Nesbitt?
Randolph Cosby Nesbitt was born on September 20, 1867. His birthplace was Queenstown, in the Cape Colony of South Africa. He grew up to join the military.
A Brave Rescue Mission
Nesbitt was a Captain in the Mashonaland Mounted Police. This was a police force in Rhodesia, which is now Zimbabwe. He served during a conflict called the Mashona Rebellion.
The Mazoe Valley Incident
On June 19, 1896, Captain Nesbitt showed incredible bravery. He led a small group of only 13 men. Their mission was to rescue miners at the Alice Mine in Mazoe Valley. These miners were surrounded by many rebels.
Captain Nesbitt's patrol fought their way through the enemy. They successfully rescued the people trapped there. This group included three women. They then brought everyone safely back to Salisbury, which is now Harare. This was a very difficult journey. There was heavy fighting along the way. Three of Nesbitt's small group were killed, and five others were wounded. This daring rescue earned him the Victoria Cross.
Life After the War
In 1909, Nesbitt continued his service. He became a Native Commissioner for the British South Africa Police. This was another important role in the Rhodesian forces.
He retired in 1928 after 40 years of service. He had worked for the Rhodesian police and civil service for a long time. After retiring, he moved back to South Africa. He did this because of his wife's health.
His Special Medal
Randolph Nesbitt passed away in South Africa on July 23, 1956. His remains were cremated in Cape Town. His Victoria Cross medal was kept in a museum in Salisbury. It stayed there until Zimbabwe became independent. Each year, the medal was loaned to Blakiston School. This was for an event that remembered the brave Mazoe Patrol.
