TOPIC:

Picture courtesy of DNW

DCM EdVII (4311 L.-Corpl: A. levey. 13th Hussars.);
QSA (4) Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (4311 Pte. A. Levey, 13/Hussars);
KSA (2) (4311 Corpl: A. Levey. 13th Hussars.)

DCM LG 31 October 1902; Army Order 10/03; details TNA WO 108/170.

MID LG 29 July 1902.

The following extract is taken from The 13th Hussars in the South African War 1899-1902:

‘On December 15th [1899] there was a remarkable eclipse of the moon.
At 4 A.M. Dundonald’s brigade, with the 7th Battery Royal Field Artillery, moved out of camp and moved off to operate against the left flank of the enemy. The 13th was halted on the high ground facing Hlangwani, while Thorneycroft’s Mounted Infantry and the South African Light Horse with the Composite Regiment went on dismounted to attack the hill. The force that could be employed at this point was insufficient, they lost heavily, and had to retire. The squadron under Major Williams was sent to help in the retirement. Lieutenant Bayley, who had been sent on with the signallers with the battery, was under heavy fire, and Private Humphrey was wounded. Another signaller, Private Wright, who was attached to the South African Light Horse, was also wounded in the attack on Hlangwani. On the left, things were going worse, and it was clear that the brigade would not reach the Tugela river that night. At 3 P.M. the order to retire was given, Major Smithson’s squadron being sent to escort the naval guns out of action. One gun was found deserted by the native drivers, and the oxen had scattered. However, some other drivers were found, the oxen collected, and the gun safely withdrawn. During the retirement news came that Colonel Long’s guns had had to be left on the field, and when the regiment arrived near Chieveley station they were ordered to go out and cover these guns, as an attempt to bring them in after dark would be made. But this order was almost immediately cancelled, and about 5 P.M. the 13th reached its camp. During the day Lieutenant-Colonel Blagrove’s horse was hit. The weather was extremely hot, there was hardly a breath of wind, and the horses had been without water since the evening before. The regimental stretcher-bearers did most excellent work during the day, one of then, Private Levey, being deserving of particular commendation. The names of the others were: Gallagher, Thompson, Twyman, Carstairs, Ellis, Meadon, and Smallwood. A regimental order 16/12/99 was issued on the subject by Major Lambkin, senior medical officer of the cavalry brigade. Had it not been for the devotion of these eight men, a number of wounded belonging to the other mounted corps engaged would have had to lie on the field wounded and unattended to for many hours.’

Alfred Levey was born in Melbourne, Australia, and attested for the 4th Hussars at London on 1 September 1892, and served with this regiment in India from September 1896 to March 1899, at the end of which month he transferred to the 13th Hussars. He was transferred to the 1st Class Army Reserve on 31 August 1899, but was recalled to Army service under Special Army Order of 7 October 1899, for service in South Africa. He was discharged on 31 August 1904, his discharge papers noting that he was subsequently paid a £20 gratuity issuable with the DCM on 28 July 1908.

I just managed to identy a miniature group in my collection: Brigadier-General John Wigan.

More information under:

www.angloboerwar.com/forum/2-introductio...ture-medal-bar#76155

Cheers

W.

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (4) Transvaal, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5473 Pte. R. Thornton. 13th Hussars.) clasps mounted in this order, unofficial rivets between first two clasps;
1914 Star, with copy clasp (5748 L. Cpl. R. Thornton. 19/Hrs.);
BWM and VM (5748 Pte. R. Thornton. 19-Hrs.)

Lance-Corporal Richard Thornton served in France from 10 September 1914.

3589 Pte W.Cordwell 13th Hussars later Royal Navy

Write up to follow in due course.

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (4) Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets/solder between state and date clasps (4703 Pte. W. K. Thompson [sic]. 13th Hussars);
1914-15 Star 4703 Sjt. W. K. Thomson. 13/Hrs.);
BWM and VM (4703 A. Sq. Q.M. Sjt. W. K. Thomson. 13-Hrs.);
Memorial Plaque (William Kerr Thomson).

Together with two 13th Hussars silver sporting medals, both unnamed; and a 13th Hussars Prize Medal, silver, engraved ‘The Best Man at Arms S.Q.M.S. Thomson 1911’

William Kerr Thompson, a native of Belfast, attested for the 13th Hussars, and served with them in South Africa during the Boer War. Advanced Squadron Quartermaster Sergeant, he saw further service with them during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 December 1914, and subsequently in Mesopotamia, and died of heat stroke on 25 July 1916. He is buried in Basra War Cemetery, Iraq.

Sold with original Cavalry Record Officer notification of death; and copied medal roll extracts and other research.

Note: The recipient’s Medal Index Card states that the 1914-15 Star was originally issued with the surname spelt ‘Thompson’, and was re-issued with the correct spelling in February 1921.

From the next Kaplan auction:

Y911 Group of Three:

QSA (5) Tug HTS; Rel of L; CC; OFS; TVL (3770 Pte F. GIBBLEY 13 Hussars);
KSA (2) (Corp F. Gibbley SAC);
SAP Silver 18 Years Faithful Service Voor Trouwe Dienst Type

VF
Estimate R2800