TOPIC:

From Liverpool Medals.

QSA (2) Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 (15 Tpr H. Gradwell, Farmer’s Guard)

What appears to be the Gradwell family all seem to have enlisted at the same time early into the formation of the unit with sequential service numbers, 13 B.J. Gradwell, 15 H. Gradwell, 16 H.W. Gradwell & 17 D.C. Gradwell.

£325

QSA (0) (Trooper H. Du Ploy, Farmers Guard)

£195

Just going back to Henk's post about the rate of pay for Farmer's Guard. I have been going through quite a few attestation papers for Wepener men recently and the rate paid to the Farmer's Guard, 5/- per day, was the standard rate for locally raised units.

City Coins #51, March 2003, contained this medal and information on the Farmer's Guard:

130. – bars: OFS, SA’01 240 Tpr. W.O. Collidge Farmer’s Gd

The Farmer’s Guard (previously called Burgher Police) was formed in 1901 to defend the property and cattle of surrendered burgers in a “protected area” of more than 30 km radius around Bloemfontein. The majority of the men in the unit came from the vicinity of Bloemfontein as well as the Southern and Eastern Free State. By Feb 1902 the radius of the area had been increased to some 65 km. The outposts were spaced at 9 km intervals on the perimeter and were manned by groups of 5-10 guards.

From last week's Noble Numismatics.

QSA (2) Orange Free State, South Africa 1902 (499 Tpr: W.J.Hennett. Farmer's Guard). Impressed.

Walter John Hennett confirmed as a member of A Troop, Farmer's Guard (Burgher Police).

Appears on the 'Roll of Individuals entitled to the Queen's South Africa Medal and Clasps', under the Army Order No.233 issued on 1st October 1902, to additional clasps to the Queen's South Africa Medal under that Army Order. Sydenham 31 Dec 1904. Awarded to 499 Trooper Walter John Hennett. Remarks: 'Initial amended [originally written as W.G.] & medal reissued 8/11/11' PRO:WO 100/247.

There was an Australian named Walter John Hennett born at Emerald Hill, Victoria who died on 20 May 1939 at Hawthorn, Victoria and his funeral notice stated 'late South African Scottish Horse'. It is unknown whether this is the same Walter John Hennett as the above medal recipient.

Hammer price $420

Picture courtesy of Morton and Eden

QSA (3) Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (96 Tpr: A. Maarten. Farmer’s Guard.

M&E say 'A. Maarten of ‘C’ Troop, Farmer’s Guard, is confirmed on the medal roll; medals to this unit are scarce.'

A QSA with OFS and SA01 clasps to 33 Cpl. J.T. Smidt, Farmer's Guard. He served in A Troop.