TOPIC:

Pictures courtesy of Spink

QSA (3) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (Capt. E. R. Clutterbuck. 4th Hussars.), unofficially impressed naming
[ 1914 Star Trio ]

Edmund Ricardo Clutterbuck was born in April 1874 in Bathford, Somerset, England. Clutterbuck served attached to the 13th Hussars during the Boer War; he was Winston Churchill's roommate when they served together as Subalterns in the 4th Hussars in India. The Queen's Royal Hussars Museum has the following summary of his service:

'Transferred from the Glosters to the 4th Hussars as a Cornet on 12 December 1893. He was a room mate with Lieutenant Winston Churchill whilst they served in India and like Winston he sought adventure which war in Southern Africa would bring.

Promoted to Lieutenant E R Clutterbuck was attached to the 13th Hussars during the Boer War, firstly in Aldershot as one of the Reserve Squadron Troop Leaders and then to the Cape.

On returning to the Regiment he was appointed Adjutant of the 4th Queen's Own Hussars in March 1903. He retired from service but on the outbreak of war with Germany, he rejoined the colours on 15 October 1914.'

Clutterbuck served in France during the Great War from 10 November 1914 and had his Medals issued to Middlewick, Corsham, Wiltshire. He died at Kensington on 15 January 1952.

Listed on the QSA roll with the 13th Hussars in WO100/117p140.

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (3) Natal, Orange Free State, Transvaal (4616. Pte. M. J. Buck. 13/ Hrs.); King's South Africa 1901-1902, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4616 Pte M. J. Buck. 13th Hussars.), contact marks to second, overall very fine (2)

Spink note that the Natal clasp is rare to the 13th Hussars.

Matthew John Buck was born at St. George's, Norfolk in 1869 and worked as a groom before enlisting with the 4th Hussars on 5 June 1891 with the service number 3184. He was to see service at home and in India with this unit, the latter posting lasting for over two years. Returning to Britain on 2 February 1899 he joined the Army Reserve just two days later.

The outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War later that year saw him swiftly remobilised on 13 November and posted to the 13th Hussars. Entering the war in South Africa on 31 January 1900 Buck served there for the next two years. Returning to Britain on 21 May 1902 he was not immediately demobilised but served for almost a year, returning to the Army Reserve on 28 March 1902.

Picture courtesy of Dominic Winter

QSA (2) Orange Free State, Transvaal (Lt. C.E. Jenkins. 13/Hussu[sic]rs.);
[ BWM and VM ];
[ TFWM ]

Charles Edward Jenkins was a native of Cruckton Hall, Shrewsbury. He was reported missing on 21 August 1900, when serving with the regiment at Buffalo River. A report included in the lot reads 'When news came that 200 Boers were crossing the Buffalo River at Wool's Drift, Major Smithson took his weakened squadron to a slight rise, since named Smithson's Ridge, about one and a half miles from Wool's Drift. They had to fall back to help A Squadron, and Smithson was shot in both knees. He was taken prisoner but the two Squadrons managed to fend off the enemy attack. In the action, Private Dempsey dismounted and helped a comrade onto his (Dempsey's) horse. He ran alongside but was shot dead and later died. Lt Charles Jenkins was at the mercy of advancing Boers and was offered help from Private Herbert and Sgt-Farrier Hunt but was injured and captured.'

Jenkins was later released and repatriated. He went on to serve with the Shropshire Yeomanry (Major) during WWI and is entitled to a pair plus Territorial Force War Medal.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 280. Total GBP 347. R 7,630. AUD 650. NZD 720. CAD 590. USD 420. EUR 400

Picture courtesy of Dominic Winter

QSA (4) Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (3791 Pte J. Holland. 13/ Hussars.)

The write-up says Private J. Holland was severely wounded on 23 April 1901 at Langzekoegat and died a few days later.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 300. Totals: GBP 372. R 8,170. AUD 690. NZD 770. CAD 630. USD 450. EUR 430.

Hi David,

There is an account of Private Hollands death in "The History of the XIIIth Hussars" by C.R.B. Barrett in 1911:

The attack on Langzeekoegat (29 April 1901):

"On the following day the mobile column marched from Uitkyk at 4 A.M. to attack the laager of Hans Botha at Langzeekoegat.

A Squadron was in advance, with the Johannesburg Mounted Rifles and guns in support. For an hour there was a thick fog which then lifted slightly, and Lieutenant Stern, who was with the leading troop, sent out a section as far in advance as the mist would permit with safety.

Half an hour later Guide Ward, who had been with this section, galloped back to say that they were just on the laager.

Unfortunately, just at this time the fog became thicker, nevertheless the leading section (Corporal Cave) on coming on the Boers' outpost charged them, and Lieutenant Stern's troop rushed the laager.

For some reason it appears that at this time the rifles were carried slung on the off side, and in consequence the use of the sword was by no means facilitated; hence this charge was not so effective as it might have been had the rifles been slung on the near side, as they were subsequently.

The supporting troops, who could not fire, as friends and foes were alike invisible, or if seen indistinguishable, were stopped by wire. The Boers got off, though they left four prisoners behind, besides all their waggons, blankets, food, &C., and many saddles.

One man, Private Mills, was shot through the heart as he galloped into the laager, Private Hayes and Private Basden being mortally wounded at the same time.

Lance-Corporal House received a slight wound through the thigh, and had eight bullets in his horse.

Four horses were killed, of which one belonging to Lieutenant Stern was hit in five places. Besides these, six horses were wounded.

Later in the day, during the retirement to camp, Private Holland, who was one of the rear-guard, was most unfortunately killed by one of our own shells. It was undoubtedly due to the fog that the enemy
did not receive far greater punishment."

************

It appears as if Private Holland wasn't wounded a few days before Langzeekoegat but was killed by friendly fire on the day itself (29 April).

It appears as if the attack on Langzeekoegat was the deadliest day of the war for the 13th Hussars; from the same book referenced above:

That is a fascinating and detailed account, Sturgy, correcting the dealer's write-up. Many thanks