TOPIC:

Hi Guys

Does anyone know the significance of the colours on the ribbon?

Very nice well made medal, only ever held a bronze version.

Brian

Hi David

How do we know there were 18?

I thought about bidding, but it is a lot for a tribute medal.

Good luck Mike!

Cheera
Ryan.

Brian

The colours are indeed unusual. Perhaps they signify Namaqualand - lots of brown and only a little green! Alternatively, they may represent colours of the copper ore at O'okiep.

Regards
Brett

rdarby wrote: Hi David

How do we know there were 18?

I thought about bidding, but it is a lot for a tribute medal.

Good luck Mike!

Cheera
Ryan.

I did a talk on the siege for Sussex OMRS last month.

Although I've not seen it there is a roll for this medal and the number comes from there. It was given to the senior officials of the Cape Copper Company, and matches well with the number of officers on the QSA roll for the Namaqualand TG (Cape Copper Company officials). Although one is known to Cpt Ad'A Borcherds CGA, how he got his I don't know.

Ten are known to exist - not a bad survival rate.

I think this rates more than a tribute medal, as it was given for a very specific action which was quite hairy at times. The Boers were keen on chucking dynamite bombs at the defenders and towards the end tried to send a train load of explosives into the town. Other Cape Copper Company officials in the Namaqualand TG not at O'Okiep didn't get this medal.

Regards
Meurig

Hi Everybody

Back after 3 weeks in Namibia (mainly camping : Namib Desert,Etosha etc).

Lots of new topics to digest and catch up with!!

Lets start with this one : a pair containing the silver O'okiep medal

Joseph Burrows was a draughtsman and salaried employee of the Cape Copper Company, resident in O'okiep. He was appointed Lieutenant in the Town Guard on 11 October 1901.

Henk

You are a very lucky fellow, Henk!