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With my current research into Wepener, this group had a certain appeal!

The recipient, Robert Dunnett, enlisted in England on 27 March 1883, aged 20. He rose through the ranks of the CMR to become a 3rd Class Sergeant in December 1899, in which rank he served in the Boer War, including the defence of Wepener, being promoted 2nd Class Sergeant in February 1902.

After the Boer War he was seconded for duty with the Border Light Horse, returning to regimental duty with the CMR in November 1904.

He received his LS&GC medal and a Gratuity of £5 in 1905, was promoted to Squadron Sergeant-Major in July 1907, and discharged on 26 March 1912.

David, I can sure understand that certain appeal! Fantastic group !

Cheers,

Mark

David,
A very nice group and history.
A Wepener clasped medal is something I aspire to in the future.

Regards
Paul

Hello David,

A splendid group indeed.

Your man Robert Dunnett was perhaps a tad lucky in getting his LSGC medal. As you know, drinking was one of the major problems in the Forces in the old days. According to the Defaulters Register in the Cape Archives DD7/60, he was convicted for being drunk on duty on the 7th July 1883 in Umtata. He has 7 Defaults in total so he must have really worked hard at pleasing the powers that be in the CMR there after.

Wonderful stuff this medal research.

Regards

Adrian

Thank you for this additional information Adrian.

I thought any entry in the defaulters book would have prevented the issue of the LS&GC Medal. Perhaps by 1906 they had forgotten these earlier transgressions or he had had a long enough period with none at all?

Best wishes
David

Dunnett would probably be amazed if he knew the present value of his medals!

Brett