TOPIC:

I'm selling this belt on behalf of the farmer. The buckle is model 1895 and the leather dated 1887. The belt was found by the farmer in the famous farmhouse on the upper Tugela, Fairview Farm [also called Rangeworthy Farm] - [google maps: look for Rangeworthy Military cemetery which is 400m from the house]. The house was commandeered as a Field Hospital Maj Moir's 11th Brigade Field Hospital during the Spioenkop campaign and received the wounded from Tabanyama and Spioenkop. Prior to reaching the farm, the Spioenkop casualties were seen at two dressing stations, one on the summit and one at the foot of the Kop. When the hospital tents were full the wounded were sent by wagon to Spearman's Farm 15 km away [No 4 Stationary Field Hospital, under Surgeon Sir Frederick Treves] The farm was evacuated by the owner John Coventry in Oct 1900 when the OVS commandos came over the Oliviershoek pass. British took possession of the farm on 19 Jan and departed on 26 Jan 1900.
The farmer who wants me to sell the belt is Barry Coventry, John Coventry's grandson. Barry is now getting and needs the money. Barry can't remember when the belt was found at his farmhouse but he was born there and it was "always around". Asking £100 or equivalent.