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Picture courtesy of City Coins

Lord Roberts V.C. and Colonel Baden-Powell
Ref: Hern 714; Carl F/2; Laidlaw 0158a.
Gilt. Holed as issued. 22.79 mm diam., 5.14 grams.

Picture courtesy of City Coins

One People One Destiny – For Britain and the Empire.
Ref: Carl O/2; Laidlaw 0361.
Gilt. Holed. 24.73 mm diam., 6.58 grams.

The reverse depicts a mounted horseman holding a rifle which suggests that this medal relates to the War in South Africa.

I bought this large uniface vulcanite medallion in Camden Passage in the 1980s, long before the coffee bars and restaurants moved in and forced the antiques trade out.

Made by Wilcox & Son, Birmingham, it is an impressive 152 mm in diameter. The imagery is based on a drawing by Hal Hurst, titled "Inspired", which appeared in the Illustrated London News on 16 Dec 1899.

A British soldier stands over a fallen comrade, an angel holding a sword and olive branch above. Surrounded by an olive wreath, emblazoned with the names of the colonies: NATAL, CAPE COLONY, INDIA, CANADA, AUSTRALIA and NEW ZEALAND. Legend: "UNITED WE STAND + FOR QUEEN AND EMPIRE + DEFENCE NOT DEFIANCE / SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1900".

"COPYRIGHT WILCOX & SON, BIRMINGHAM".

Matthew Wilcox & Son were silversmiths. Could this, therefore, have been a trial piece for a large silver medallion that was never produced?

This is the only example I have seen.








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Neville, an absolutely stunning piece. I think the reason why this was probably never produced in silver and larger quantities can be found in the image itself. On first glance one gets the impression from the smoking gun that the soldier standing killed the man at his feet.

The expression on the face of the standing man is remarkable. When people nowadays consider the British empire they tend to overlook the idealistic or spiritual aspect which motivated men, at least until the shooting started…

Cologne Kruger-Medal. Medals with the inscription: "Cologne honours the victim of greed", in tombac [a copper alloy] 2 marks, nickel-silver 2 marks, 50 pfennigs. Medals with Kruger's portrait, in bronze, 3 marks, 50 pfennigs. Available from K. A. Stauff, Cologne, Grosse Budengasse 12 (Kölner Lokal-Anzeiger, 17 January 1901).















Described by Michael Laidlaw thus:

TYPE 1 – Germany: Boer War: Cologne Honours the Victim Kruger




TYPE 2 – Germany: Boer War: Cologne / Chamberlain Hanging from Gallows








Kölner Lokal-Anzeiger, 19th January 1901

PRÄSIDENT KRÜGER IN KÖLN.

Der Aufenthalt Krügers in Köln hat Veranlassung zur Herstellung einer Medaille gegeben, welche sich besonders auf die bekannten Vorgänge hierselbst bezieht. Die vordere Seite der Medaille zeigt im mittleren Felde den stadtkölnischen Doppeladler mit dem Stadtwappen auf der Brust. Außerhalb des umschließenden Perlkreises zieht sich ein matt gehaltenes Band mit der Aufschrift: * BEISPIELLOSE VOLKSHULDIGUNG DEM PRAESIDENTEN KRUEGER VON TRANSVAAL. Innerhalb des Kreises. über dem Doppeladler, steht in kleiner Schrift: HEILIGER ERNST — KEIN CARNEVAL; unter dem Adler: KOELN DEN. — 6. DECEMBER 1900. Die Rückseite zeigt nur Schrift. Auf einer viereckigen Tafel im Mittelfelde stehen die Worte: Köln ehrt das Opfer der Habsucht und rettet die Ehre der Deutschen. In den Zwickeln zwischen der Tafel und dem das Mittelfeld umschließenden Perlkreis: IM GLUECKE — GEFEIERT, — IM UNGLUECK — GEACHTET! Außerhalb des Perlkreises: * SEHT! WIE SIE ALLE ZU HAUSE SIND, DEN MANTEL HAENGEND NACH DEM WIND!

Eine weitere Medaille trägt auf der Vorderseite ein vorzügliches Brustbild Krügers im Profile nach links; daneben steht: PRAES. S. J. P. KRUEGER. Auf der Rückseite befindet sich in einem bänderumflochtenen Lorbeerkranze die Aufschrift: ZUR ERINNERUNG AN DIE BEISPIELLOSEN VOLKS-HULDIGUNGEN IN KOELN A. RH. 1.— 6. DECEMBER 1900.


Google Translate:

PRESIDENT KRÜGER IN COLOGNE.

Krüger's stay in Cologne prompted the creation of a medal, which refers specifically to the well-known events that took place there. The obverse of the medal shows, in the centre, the double-headed eagle of the city of Cologne with the city's coat of arms on its breast. Outside the surrounding beaded circle runs a matte band with the inscription: * UNPRECEDENTED PEOPLE'S TRIBUTE TO PRESIDENT KRÜGER OF THE TRANSVAAL. Inside the circle, above the double-headed eagle, is written in smaller type: DEADLY SERIOUSNESS — NO CARNIVAL; below the eagle: COLOGNE, DECEMBER 6, 1900. The reverse shows only text. On a square plaque in the centre are the words: Cologne honours the victim of greed and saves the honour of the Germans. In the spandrels between the plaque and the beaded circle surrounding the centre: IN FORTUNE — CELEBRATED, — IN MISFORTUNE — REJECTED! Outside the beaded circle: * BEHOLD! ALL THOSE WHO STAY AT HOME, SETTING THEIR SAILS FOR THE WIND!

Another medal bears on the obverse an excellent bust portrait of Krüger in profile facing left; next to it is written: PRAES. S. J. P. KRUEGER. On the reverse, within a ribbon-wreathed laurel wreath, is the inscription: IN MEMORY OF THE UNPRECEDENTED PEOPLE'S TRIBUTE IN COLOGNE ON THE RHINE. 1.— 6. DECEMBER 1900.






Kölnische Zeitung, 3rd December 1900

Finally, the express train arrived at the station around 11:45. A mighty cheer for Kruger and the Boers resounded upon its arrival, and the vast halls of the station echoed with these enthusiastic shouts. Everyone rushed to the train and surrounded the carriage in which "Ohm Paul" was seated. It is truly impossible to describe the scene that unfolded. President Kruger was initially unable to leave the train due to the pressing crowd, and it took a quarter of an hour before "Ohm Paul" could retreat to the stationmaster's office.

Unfortunately, a regrettable accident occurred during the reception at the station. The president's carriage stopped at the point where a fenced-off shaft for the new underpass is located. In the rush for the carriage, several people were pushed against the fence. The fence, which proved too weak for the situation, gave way, and several people fell into an approximately 10-meter-deep shaft. Some were seriously injured, others escaped with minor abrasions and bruises. The injured received first aid at the railway station's first-aid station.

Since the crowd on the platform had meanwhile thinned out somewhat, it became possible to get down. However, this was not so easy; for there was also a large crowd in the lower halls of the station, who, at the sight of the Boer president, erupted in enthusiastic cheers and crowded around him.

Only at 11:30 was "Ohm Paul" able to board his carriage and drive through the enormous crowd gathered in front of the train station and on Cathedral Square, amidst the cheers and chants of this throng, to the Dom [Cathedral] Hotel. But here, just as on the train platform, it was impossible to leave the carriage immediately and enter the hotel. The carriage had to drive a little further, turn around, and stop directly in front of the hotel entrance. Only then could the President enter the Dom Hotel, in front of which the entire, countless crowd of spectators had meanwhile gathered. Again and again, enthusiastic cheers for Kruger and the Boers rang out, and the cheers seemed endless. Everyone now streamed toward the other side of the hotel, where "Ohm Paul's" parlour was located. The crowd repeatedly erupted in enthusiastic cheers and sang: "Freiheit, die ich meine," the "National Anthem," and "Es braust ein Ruf wie Donnerhall." Then the balcony door opened: "Ohm Paul" appeared, a storm of enthusiasm swept through the crowd, the gentlemen waved their hats, the ladies their handkerchiefs, all while cheering for the Boers and the President. He greeted and bowed to everyone. Even after Kruger had withdrawn, the crowd remained in the square, and only after "Ohm Paul" had appeared a second time did the enormous crowd, which had so vividly expressed its enthusiasm for the Boers and their President, finally disperse, long after 1 a.m. The cheers for the Boers echoed through the streets of Cologne late into the night.

The extent of the crush in front of the Dom Hotel is evidenced by the fact that the longitudinal railing of the complex there was almost completely torn down.

Cologne, December 2nd.

An official reception for President Kruger reportedly did not take place because the necessary prior consultation with the Imperial Court, required for visits by foreign heads of state, was neglected. For this reason, it is also considered likely that Kruger will abandon his intention to come to Berlin. — It is reported that President Kruger will remain in Cologne until Wednesday.

After President Kruger was informed today by the Imperial Envoy von Tschirschky and Böggendorff, who arrived here from Luxembourg, that the Emperor, to his regret, is now unable to receive him, he has decided to abandon the visit to Berlin. Kruger will travel from here to Holland first.

On Sunday morning at 7 a.m., President Kruger enjoyed breakfast, then went back to bed, and at 10 a.m. had a light brunch, read the Bible, and then went back to bed. Among those accompanying the President were Mr. Eloff, whose wife and child had already left for The Hague, the physician who was constantly at the President's side, and Messrs. Wessels and Wolmarans from the Boer Mission. Large crowds had already gathered around the Cathedral Hotel by mid-morning, from which enthusiastic cheers for Kruger occasionally rang out. Kruger's planned excursion on Sunday did not take place.



Iserlohner Kreisanzeiger und Zeitung, 3rd December 1900

PRESIDENT KRÜGER IN COLOGNE.

Cologne, December 2nd.

Long before President Krüger's arrival, an immense crowd had gathered at and in front of the main train station to greet the elderly president. Houses near the station were flying flags; the flag fluttered from the Dom Hotel. The crowd on the platforms was particularly large and refused to comply with the barriers. In front of the main entrance of the station and the Dom Hotel, the throng was so enormous that the police had to clear the way with their weapons drawn. When the train finally arrived at 11:30, the station hall resounded with cheers from thousands of voices.

Everyone pressed towards the president's private car, resulting in a terrible crush that did not go unpunished. Right at the spot in the station where the President's saloon car was parked, a makeshift wooden structure had been erected during the construction of an underpass. This structure proved inadequate for the large crowd. Several people fell through, but fortunately only two were injured: one with a concussion and the other with a broken leg. When President Krüger heard of this, he immediately and sympathetically inquired about the names of the injured.

Cheers rang out continuously, and the crowd became so densely packed in front of the President's car that he was unable to leave it for over fifteen minutes. People had even climbed onto the roofs of the carriages. It was nearly impossible to force a way through, and so it became necessary to escort the President out of the station by a circuitous route. This involved leading him all the way around the back (towards Aachen) across the tracks to a less crowded exit. But here too the crowd pressed forward, and only with difficulty could a narrow passage be cleared for him step by step through the densely packed throng. President Krüger was practically overwhelmed by the crowd. An exit could also be found at Diencheim, which is why Krüger was taken to the office of the stationmaster, Mr. Lauer, where he refreshed himself with a drink of seltzer water.

After a half-hour stay in this room, the way was clear enough for him to leave the station and board the carriage for the journey to the hotel. But here too, a quick departure was out of the question. Head-to-head, the crowd pressed forward and, cheering him on, surrounded the carriage, which could only move slowly. The president continually expressed his gratitude by bowing his head. With constant shouts of encouragement, the crowd accompanied the carriage to the hotel, where the demonstrations were repeated with even greater intensity. Every window was packed with people waving cigarettes. As the cars approached, the Palace Hotel opposite the Cathedral Hotel, where numerous friends of the Boers had gathered for a celebration in Kruger's honour, was bathed in red Bengal lights.

Singing freedom songs, clapping loudly, and offering tumultuous, incessant cheers, the crowd remained until President Kruger, accompanied by his entourage, appeared on the balcony and repeatedly tipped his hat in thanks for the tributes. The crowd stayed in front of the hotel until about 2 a.m., and the cheers continued unabated.

This morning at 7 a.m., the President enjoyed breakfast, then went to work again, had a light brunch at 10 a.m., read the Bible, and then went back to bed.

Among those accompanying the President were Mr. Eloff, whose wife and child had already gone to The Hague; the physician who constantly attended the President; and Messrs. Wessels and Wolmarans from the Boer Mission.




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