TOPIC:

Brett,

The research potential for ILH men is yet another reason they are so collectable.

I agree, David.

My most rewarding research project was that on Tpr H C Gorton, ILH, whose QSA is my avatar. His story kept growing thanks to input from members of this forum, including you and Frank. The latter tramped the streets of Burton on Trent in a successful search for Gorton's home, church, school, playing fields and pub. He came to South Africa in the early 1890's as a brewer for what was to become S A Breweries, which is now an element in the largest brewer in the world. He played rugby for South Africa against England before South Africa was a country and its rugby players were called Springboks. He was a soldier for less than three months, during which he was wounded in the ILH's first two VC actions at Elandslaagte and Wagon Hill. He was one of the first men to be wounded by the Boers when they attacked Wagon Hill in the early morning of 6 January 1900, and he lay out in the open all day during which he was again shot multiple times. He died a few days later and was mourned by all who knew him.

Regards
Brett

The group to Captain Reynolds, 3rd DG, from the next Baldwin's auction.


Picture courtesy of Baldwin's

DSO VRI
QSA (6) CC Eland DoL OFS Tr LN (Captain P.G. Reynolds 3rd Dragoon Guards)
KSA (2) (Captain P.G. Reynolds 3rd Dragoon Guards)

To me the DSO looks like a contemporary copy.

The catalogue says:

DSO LG 19 April 1901; MID 8 February 1901 and 29 July 1902

Captain Philip Guy Reynolds was born 19 January 1871 at Raddon Court Cheshire, third son of Sylvanu Reynolds of Raddon Court, Cheshire. He was educated at Malvern College, Worcestershire; gazetted to 17th Lancers 28 June 1893; transferred to 5lh Dragoon Guards 12 November 1893. He served in South Africa 1899-1902, employed with the South African Constabulary 9 December 1900 to 19 February 1907.; operations in Natal, 1899 including action at Elandslaagte; Defence of Ladysmith, including sortie of 7 December 1899 and 6 January 1900;; operations in Natal, including action at Laing's Nek; operations in Transvaal and Orange River Colony, May to 29 November 1900; operations in the Transvaal and Orange River Colony 30 November to 31 May 1902 (slightly wounded). He was mentioned in Despatches, London Gazette 8 February 1901 and 29 July 1902, was given the Brevet of Major 22 Aug 1902, Queen's South Africa Medal with six clasp. King's South Africa Medal with two clasps, was made a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order, London Gazette 19 April 1901 - Citation Reads: "Philip Guy Reynolds, Major, 3rd Dragoon Guards. In recognition of services during recent operations in South Africa". The insignia were sent to the Commander-in-Chief, South Africa, and were presented by His Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York on the 19 February 1901."

He had been promoted to Captain 3rd Dragoon Guards, 27 June 1900; was made Adjutant, Imperial Yeomanry. 20 February 1903, to 19 February 1907; became Major 2 July 1908, retired 2 March 1912

Here's a VRI DSO for comparison

All,
Is the service number correct on this medal? Is it too high of a number for someone joining in 1896? Would 5779 be more correct?

Thank you in advance.

Sorry...this is in reference to 95779 Piper M. Smith"s medal which has appeared in this forum