HC Deb 06 April 1897 vol 48 c637
MR. THOMAS SHAW () Hawick Burghs

I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the case of Corporal Francis Lynn, who served the British South Africa Company in the Matabele Mounted Police, entered the Transvaal under command of Dr. Jameson, was severely wounded in the subsequent engagement, and was removed to Durban, where after much suffering he died of his wounds; whether he is aware that the British South Africa Company have up till now refused all compensation to the father of the deceased in respect of the death of their servant caused as above stated, and have even declined to comply with the father's request that his son's effects should be sent home, but have allowed the same to be sold in Buluwayo; and whether the right hon. Gentleman can see his way to call the attention of the Company to the case, with the view of securing that just compensation shall be awarded in the circumstances?

MR. J. CHAMBERLAIN

Corporal Lynn's death does not appear to have been directly due to his wound, but to an attack of dysentery brought on by a combination of unfavourable conditions. The British South Africa Company deny all responsibility for Dr. Jameson's incursion and for its results to those who took part in it. I understand that Corporal Lynn's soiled effects were sold by auction at Salisbury, but that some letters and souvenirs were retained and sent to his father.