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Sturgy,

A very nice medal with lovely engraving.

This is from All Saints Anglican Church, Ladysmith.

Picture courtesy of Spink

[ QSA (2) Eland Belfast ];
KSA (2) (3953 Pte S. Hemingway. Manch: Regt)

Samuel Hemingway was born at St. Mark's, London in 1874 and attested at Ashton-on-Lyme on 23 July 1893. Posted first to India on 5 February 1895 he later joined the garrison at Gibraltar in February 1898. He was still there when escalating tensons in South Africa led to the 1st Battalion, Manchester Regiment being ordered to join Sir George White's army in Natal.

This unit was deployed during the initial Boer Invasion in the British counter thrust at Elandslaagte. The Manchesters formed part of the British right hook around the Boer flank, despite heavy fighting they managed to make the crest of the ridge which formed the Boer positions. Here they found their enemy had withdrawn to new positions and above these positions a white flag was flying. Captain Newbigging, the adjutant of the Manchesters, led men forward to accept the enemy surrender and they came under fire from Boer troops on a different part of the line.

This sudden counter-attack forced the British back but they redoubled the attack, wounding the Boer Commandant. The Devons brought their enemy to hand-to-hand combat in the centre of the line forcing them into a general retreat. At this point a charge by a squadron apiece of the 5th Lancers and 5th Dragoon Guards routed them with heavy losses. Despite this they still suffered heavy losses of 55 dead and 205 wounded, the latter number including Hemingway.

He did however rejoin them for the Battle of Belfast and remained in the country until 5 September 1902. Transferring to the Army Reserve on 11 January 1903 he was discharged on 24 July 1905.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 120. Totals: GBP 149. R 3,380. AUD 280. NZD 300. CAD 250. USD 180. EUR 170.

4853 Pte. H.C. Andrews, 5th Lancers.
Mortally wounded Wagon Hill 6 January 1900. Died of wounds Ladysmith 23 January 1900.
Buried at Red Hill Cemetery, Ladysmith. Grave marked by a named metal cross. There were only two fatal casualties to the 5th Lancers for Wagon Hill, the other being Lt. W.H.T. Hill.

At Elandslaagte the 5th Lancers had two squadrons that qualified for the clasp. 'C' Squadron took part in the charge with 'D' Squadron 5th Dragoon Guards while 'D' Squadron 5th Lancers were on the extreme right of the British line and took no active part in the battle. It can be very difficult to ascertain whether or not a QSA with the clasp Elandslaagte to the 5th Lancers is to a 'C' Squadron charger. However, Andrews is confirmed as a charger because only 'A' and 'C' Squadrons fought (dismounted) at Wagon Hill so he must have been in 'C' Squadron.

That is great detective work, David. Very nice to have a confirmed charger and Wagon Hill participant.

4853 Pte. H.C. Andrews, 5th Lancers.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (5) Cape Colony, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Major G. M. Yunge-Bateman, R.F.A.) engraved naming;
KSA (2) (Maj. G. M. Yunge-Bateman. R.F.A.) engraved naming

George Marcus Yunge-Bateman was born in 1862 and was commissioned Second Lieutenant in the Royal Field Artillery in 1883, being advanced Major in 1899. He served with distinction during the Boer War, being Mentioned in Despatches in September 1901. He retired with the rank of Major in 1907, and died in Folkestone in February 1934.

Sotheby's December 1990 no sale.