RANDOLPH COSBY NESBITT  (Captain)  Mashonaland Mounted Police, Now in British South Africa Police                  During the native insurrection in Mashonaland in 1896, many of the homesteads were sacked, and the settlers with their families murdered, before help could be sent to them living as they did, in many cases, in isolated districts, miles from their nearest neighbours.  In June 1896, Mr Judson, director of telegraphs at Salisbury, had ridden with a patrol to effect the relief of the miners at the Alice Mine in the Mazoe Valley, but on reaching them found himself powerless to bring them away through the hordes of savages, and was compelled to remain in laager with them.  On the 19^th Captain Nesbitt, when out with a Patrol of thirteen men, came across a runner from Mr. Judson, bearing a note to Judge Vincent to the effect that to relieve them, one hundred men and a Maxim gun were required.  Reading it to his thirteen men, Captain Nesbitt asked them if they would accompany him to endeavour to rescue the beleagured party, a question answered readily enough, and at once the gallant little band set off.  They fought their way through the enemy and eventually reached the laager, and putting the three women, who were with the miners into an armoured wagon, commenced the return journey, again fighting heavily.  Through the masses of savages who barred their way the little band of brave men steadily penertrated, the enemy often creeping through the long grass and when quite close firing at the wagon.  By the bravery of these colonists and the skilful and courageous leading of Captain Nesbitt, at length they were all brought safely into Salisbury with the loss of only thre men killed and five wounded, eight horses killed and seven wounded.  The action of Captain Nesbitt and his thirteen men stands prominently out among the many brave deeds performed by our colonists during those troublous times.  Born at Queenstown in Cape Colony, on September 20^th 1867, Captain Nesbitt is the son of Major C. A. Nesbitt.  Educated at St. Paul’s School, in London, he joined the Cape Mounted Rifles, August 10^th 1885, and served through the Mashona Expedition of 1890, being promoted Lieutenant (Police) in September 1891.  Held the appointment of Chief Constable at Fort Peddie, in the Cape in March 1892 till April 1893.  Returned to Mashonaland at the end of that year and became Inspector of the Mounted Police in that region and appointed J. P. in 1895.  Served in Gazaland 1894, on special service.  Attained his present rank on June 1^st 1895.  During the Boer War 1899-1902, was in command of a squadron of B.S.A.P. under Generals Pulmer and Baden Powell, in the Transvaal.