TOPIC:

In looking for information on Robert George Kekewich, I can across this artefact from the NAM website, one of 4 statuettes that were manufactured and offered for sale at the end of 1900.

The NAM have all 4: Kekewich, Baden Powell, Buller and Roberts.

The NAM website describes them as 'Patinated bronze statuette by Sidney March (1876-1968), made by Elkington and Company Limited, 1900. On the base the inscription, 'Kimberley 1900'. One of four statuettes celebrating commanders of British forces during the Boer War (1899-1902). The statuettes were advertised in the 1 December 1900 issue of 'The Daily Graphic', 'Price in solid Bronze £5.0.0.'


Picture courtesy of the NAM

I had not come across these before. At £5, they were quite expensive, equivalent to about 6 weeks of the average wage.

This does not look particularly like Kekewich.

If only they could be had of five quid apiece today!

There is also a Kitchener in the same series entitled South Africa 1900 and from memory possibly a Cecil Rhodes.

Apologies for my lack of photographic skills!

David,
On the subject of Kekewich have you come across this privately published short memoir written by his sister Judith in 1936. Sadly it is very anodyne and written for "the younger generation" and is unlikely to provide any new insights.

Paul

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robert_Kekewich

Boer War
Kekewich was promoted into the Loyal Regiment (North Lancashire) and commanded the 1st Battalion of that regiment in the Second Boer War. He commanded the garrison in Kimberley during the siege and successful defence of the town, during which time he came into conflict with Cecil Rhodes who was also present. Following the relief of the town on 15 February 1900, Rhodes persuaded John French, commanding the relief force, to replace Kekewich with another officer as commander of the garrison. Kekewich received a brevet promotion to colonel for his services a week later, on 21 February 1900.[2] In late September 1901 he was wounded in an attack by General de la Rey near Moedwil,[3] but soon recuperated. In April 1902 he was in charge during the British victory at the Battle of Rooiwal, the last major battle during the war. He stayed in South Africa until peace had been signed in June 1902, when he returned to England on the SS Carisbrook Castle, landing at Southampton in early August.[4] In a despatch dated 23 June 1902, Lord Kitchener, Commander in Chief in South Africa during the latter part of the war, wrote how Kekewich had "maintained his high reputation as a fine soldier of character, loyalty and discretion" throughout the war, and concluded that he was "well qualified to hold high command."[5]

For his services Kekewich was appointed a Companion of the Order of the Bath (CB) in the April 1901 South Africa Honours list (the award was dated to 29 November 1900;[6] he only received the actual decoration from King Edward VII at Buckingham Palace on 24 October 1902[7]), and on 22 August 1902 he was promoted major general for distinguished service in the Field.[8] In early October 1902 he was placed on half-pay.[9]