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I was rather hoping that this rare medal would make it to me by yesterday, the anniversary of the Battle of Elandslaagte - sadly not to be - the couriers brought his and his brother's medals this morning. Collectors to Elandslaagte and, specifically to the Imperial Light Horse, will know that this is a rather special medal.

Arthur Edward Brabant died at Dewdrop (Ladysmith) on 5 November 1899 from wounds sustained in the action at Long Valley two days before (on 3 November). Long Valley became famous for the Charge of the 30 Light Horsemen, of whom Brabant was one. He was the son of General Edward Yewd Brabant, the Commandant General of the Colonial Forces in the Boer War and had been engaged as a Mining Engineer for some years in Johannesburg, but on the outbreak of war, he at once volunteered for active service and joined the Imperial Light Horse.

At Elandslaagte his bravery was stated to have been most conspicuous; at this battle he greatly assisted in rallying some men at a critical moment in the charge against the Boer counter attack. Brabant was Mentioned in Despatches for his services. In the history of the ILH by G F Gibson, it is recorded that while the award of the Victoria Cross to the ILH officers, Captain Mullins and Lieutenant Johnstone was justified, "the only regret being that the equally courageous action of Lieutenant Brabant was not similarly rewarded." He was described as "brave and unassuming, with striking natural military gifts which had no chance to develop."

He is buried in Ladysmith cemetery, in Grave No. 6, next to Captain Knapp, and next, but one, to Lt. Egerton of H.M.S. Powerful.
I am very privileged to own his medal and those to his older brother, Captain John Somerset Brabant - a Victoria Columnist in the Matabele War.