TOPIC:

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (5066 Pte. W. Underwood, 1: Leic: Regt.), retaining pin affixed to backstrap of Laing’s Nek clasp;
[ KSA (2) ]

William Underwood was born in Leicester in 1877 and attested there for the Leicestershire Regiment on 30 August 1897, having previously served in the Regiment’s 3rd (Militia) Battalion. He served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 13 May 1899-19 January 1902, and again from 5 June-6 November 1902 (King’s Medal & 2 clasps), and was severely wounded in the left leg at Van Wyk’s Vlei on 21 August 1900. He saw further service in India from 7 November 1902-2 November 1904, before transferring to the Reserve on 5 November 1904. He was discharged on 29 August 1909, after 12 years’ service.

DNW December 2007 £240. eBay November 2009

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (4204 Pte. F. R. Ward, 1: Leic: Regt.), edge bruise, very fine

Provenance: Sotheby’s, November 1981. Spink, March 1986 £85. Bostock September 1992 £95

F. R. Ward attested for the Leicestershire Regiment, and served with the 1st Battalion, attached to the Mounted Infantry, in South Africa during the Boer War. For his gallantry at Swartz Kop on 13 February 1901 he was Mentioned in General Kitchener’s Despatch (London Gazette 9 July 1901, refer) and was promoted Corporal by the Commander-in-Chief. The citation for his gallantry states:

‘In retirement from Swartz Kop on 13 February 1901, the shaft of a machine gun broke; the enemy, pressing close, endeavoured to capture the gun. Privates S. Johnson and F. Ward stuck to the gun, mended the shaft, and brought the gun away by hand.’

Only his QSA has been verified.

Picture courtesy of Lockdales

QSA (3) Talana, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (4043 Corpl F Pope 18th Hussars)

Served in B Squadron. Taken prisoner, Talana, 20 Oct 99. Died of pneumonia, Rooikraal, 20 Aug 01

Picture courtesy of Spink

[ QSA (4) Tal DoL LN Belf ]
KSA (2) (3969 Pte J. Heawood. Leicester: Regt.) initial and first part of surname officially renamed

The QSA to J. Heawood/Haywood was returned 28 September 1908.

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (4) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (3634 Pte A. Brown, 1: Leic: Regt), suspension loose;
KSA (2) (3634 Pte A. Brown. Leicester: Regt).

Albert Brown was born at St. Margret's, Leicestershire in 1872, the son of Annie Brown. He worked as a Barber and while doing so enlisted with 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Leicestershire Regiment later attesting for 1st Battalion on 6 December 1892. Remaining in Britain until 1894 he was posted to the West Indies on 17 January, remaining there for almost two years until 22 December 1895 when the Battalion was posted to South Africa. Having been present in Africa prior to the war 1st Battalion were present with General Penn-Symons troops at the Battle of Talana Hill. From here they took part in the withdrawal upon Ladysmith, fighting at the Battle of Ladysmith on 30 October with Colonel Grimwood's Brigade they attacked Lomard's Kop but were held at bay by heavy fire, losing 24 men killed or wounded. After the Siege they were engaged at Belfast and then went on to fight during the Guerrilla phase of the war. With the end of the war in South Africa Brown returned to Britain on 12 September 1902, being sent to the Reserve on 12 March 1903 but re-engaging and serving for some time. He was discharged from the Reserves on 5 December 1908 and died at City General Hospital, Leicester on 2 November 1939.

Sold Martyn Rowe 2005 and Wellington Auctions December 2007.

The medal to Cpl Pope, 18th Hussars, sold at Lockdales yesterday for a hammer price of GBP 500. Totals: GBP 617. R 14,380. AUD 1,120. NZD 1,190. CAD 1,000. USD 750. EUR 690