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Picture courtesy of Spink

East and West Africa (1) 1898 (2939 Cpl. A. J. Cross, Scottish Rif.);
QSA (6) Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek (2939 Serjt. A. J. Cross, 2/Scottish Rif.);
KSA (2) (2939 Serjt. A. J. Cross, 2/Scottish Rif.);
1914-15 Star (Lieut. A. J. Cross, Sco. Rif.);
British War and Victory Medals (Capt. A. J. Cross);
Africa General Service 1902 (1) Nigeria 1918 (Capt. A. J. Cross, Sco. Rif.);
Army LS&GC ED VII (2939 C. Serjt. A. J. Cross, 1/Scottish Rif.)

Mounted for display in glazed cabinet with two Captain's khaki epaulettes and leather sword knot.

Alexander John Cross was born in Bandon, Ireland on 20 October 1878 and was educated at Christ Church, Cork.

Having then enlisted in the 2nd Battalion, Scottish Rifles in February 1889 - and served in India - he took part in the Borgu expedition in West Africa during 1898 (Medal & clasp); he was invalided home at the end of the campaign.

Further active service ensued in South Africa from October 1899 until the end of hostilities, where he was present in the relief of Ladysmith operations and the action at Laing's Nek (Queen's Medal & 6 clasps; King's Medal & 2 clasps).

Awarded his L.S. & G.C. Medal in April 1908, Cross was discharged in May 1913, but re-enlisted in October 1914, when he was appointed a Sergeant-Major.

He was subsequently discharged to a commission in the 9th Battalion, Scottish Rifles, in January 1915 and went to France in May of that year, but he was wounded in the battle of Loos on 25 September 1915, when his battalion attacked the Hohenzollern defence lines; the unit suffered around 400 casualties, not a few of them caused by our own faulty gas attack.

After recuperation, he served in the campaign in German East Africa from August 1917 until February 1918, when he was attached to 2nd Nigeria Regiment, West African Service Brigade, and took part in the Egba operations in Nigeria in June-July 1918 (Medal & clasp).

Cross relinquished his commission in December 1919.

Sold for a hammer price of £4,200. Totals (inc VAT on the commission for the UK only): £5,208. R101,300. Au$9,120. Can$8,720. US$6,960

From the next Noble Numismatics sale

QSA (6) Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek, Orange Free State (Lieut E.C.Barnes Scottish Rif) renamed;
1914-15 Star (Capt E.C.Barnes 1/19/PJBS);
BWM (Capt E.C.Barmes);
ViM (Capt E.C.Barmes)

Captain E.C.Barnes was promoted to Major in 1922 and on retirement was a Lieutenant Colonel.

Together with three pages of photocopied photographs of Major E.C.Barnes and a pass to State Entry of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Saturday 25th February 1922.

Can anyone enlighten me: which companies of the 2nd Scottish Rifles were on the summit of Spion Kop 24 jan 1900?
thanks
Rob

24th Jan 1900 around 15.00 hours

The 2nd battalion  Scottish Rifles (Cameronians) arrived at the summit of Spion Kop between 2.30 and 3 pm and were pushed into the firing line by companies, which had to move on to the plateau in single file along a narrow path down which the wounded were being carried.  On reaching the plateau the two leading companies became hotly engaged at close range.  Some men of the 2nd and 3rd companies then charged the opposing Boers in flank, in order to relieve the pressure on No 1, or A company.  This was successful, the enemy retiring, but cost 1 officer and several men killed, and 3 officers and more men wounded.  Gradually the battalion got extended, and by 4.40 pm had taken up a position across the summit.  At one part, on the right, when the Scottish Rifles pushed forward, the original firing line had quite disappeared, and the Boers were where it should have been, and that within 60 yards of rocks which, if occupied by the Boers, would have enabled them to command our only approach to the plateau.  Like other troops on the hill, the Scottish Rifles fought splendidly and held their ground marvellously well.  Their losses on the day were very heavy.  Four officers and 33 men were killed or died of their wounds; 6 officers and about 60 men were wounded. 

24th Jan 1900 Situation at Sunset.
Scottish Rifles (Cameronians)reinforce the summit, Dorset regiment, plus elements of ILI and Bethunes MI still available in reserve.

Excellent, Dave -what's the source of this v useful excerpt? Feel free to PM me or email. Rob

From the next Noble Numismatics auction:

QSA (6) Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek, Orange Free State (Lieut E.C.Barnes Scottish Rif) renamed;
1914-15 Star (Capt E.C.Barnes 1/19/PJBS);
BWM (Capt E.C.Barmes);
VM (Capt E.C.Barmes)

Captain E.C.Barnes was promoted to Major in 1922 and on retirment was a Lieutenant Colonel.

Together with three pages of photocopied photographs of Major E.C.Barnes and a pass to State Entry of H.R.H. the Prince of Wales, Saturday 25th February 1922.