From the next City Coins auction, November 2020
QSA (2) Elandsl, DoL (3852 Pte. E.H. Norman, Devon. Regt.)
Wagon Hill
“At 5pm after other Regiments had failed to clear the Boers off the hill, 3 Companies of the Devons were sent in who were ordered to turn the enemy off the ridge with the bayonet. The Devons dashed forward & gained a position under cover within 50 yards of the enemy. Here a fire fight ensued; but the Devons were not to be denied & eventually, cheering as they pushed from point to point, they drove the enemy not only off the plateau, but cleared every Boer out of the lower slopes & the dongas surrounding the position. The total loss of the Devons was nearly 28%”. 18 KiA, 2 DoW, 32 Wounded”.
“Our Regiments in South Africa” page 113 by J. Stirling.
Pte Norman was wounded in the bayonet charge of the Devons and in the Regimental History by Col M Jacson his name is one of seven noted for “gallantry on the occasion”. He is also Mentioned in White’s Despatch of 23 March 1900 (LG 8 Feb 1900, p932), Buller’s Despatch of 9 Nov 1900 (LG 8 Feb 1900, p 977: Rank stated as Bandsman) and Roberts’ Despatch of 10 Sept 1901 (LG 10 Sept 1901, p5939)