From the Kaplan Auction on 14 May 2022.
QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDALS
G5
Two Bars: Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith 5491 Private G. SKEE – 2nd Battalion Royal Lancaster Regiment. The King’s Own Royal Lancaster Regiment landed in Durban on Christmas Day 1899 and together with the 2nd Lancashire Fusiliers, the 1st South Lancashire’s, the 1st York and Lancaster Regiment, formed the 11th Brigade under Major-General Woodgate, which was part of the 5th Brigade under Sir Charles Warren. As preparation for the attack on Spion Kop they were camped on Three-Tree Hill, south-west of Spion Kop. The Regiment was heavily involved in the Battle of Spion Kop, being part of the foremost trips when the mist lifted, and the British force were in a very exposed position to Boer rifle-fire. The Regiment lost 3 Officers and 34 men killed, and 4 Officers and over 100 men Wounded in the Battle
EF R2 200
G6
Two Bars: Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith 2986 Private C.H. Rentowl – 2nd Battalion Dorset Regiment. Charles Henry Rentowl was born at Woolwich, London, and enlisted into the Dorset Regiment on the 19th August 1889 at the age of 19. At the time of attestation, he was a labourer and had previously served with the 3rd Battalion Hampshire Regiment. He had been put on the army reserves but was recalled at the outbreak of the South African War (1899-1902). Prior to that he had seen service in Egypt from the 9th March 1892 to the 26th September 1893 and in India from the 27th September 1893 to the 2nd January 1897. He saw service in South Africa from the 24th November 1899 to the 14th June 1900 when he was invalided home. There is no record in the Boer War casualty roll, by Palmer of him being injured. The Regiment were present at the Battle of Spion Kop, but only as the re-enforcements who were sent up in late afternoon. The Regimental history records General Warren’s despatch of the 1st February – “rendering great service in carrying down a large quantity of ammunition in the dark which would have otherwise fallen into the hands of the enemy”. Two pages of research
EF R2 500
G7
Three Bars: Cape Colony; Tugela Heights; Relief of Ladysmith 268 L/Corporal G.G.S. Howard – South African Light Horse. The South African Light Horse was raised in the Cape Colony in November 1899. Initial involvement was on the De Aar railway line, but 3 squadrons were taken around to Natal and were employed under Lord Dundonald on the right flank at Colenso on the 15th December 1899. The Regiment was present along the British lines between the 19th and 27th January, whilst Spion Kop was being evacuated. The Regiment were at the fore in occupying Hussars Hill on the 14th February 1900. 1 page of research.
VF R3 000
G8
Two Bars: Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith 887 Private A. McKenzie – Thorneycroft’s Mounted Infantry. This Regiment was raised at Pietermaritzburg by Major A W Thorneycroft of the Royal Scots Fusiliers and were initially involved in patrol work. By the middle of November, the corps had reached a strength of 500. They were involved at Colenso before gaining fame, through their founder at the battle of Spion Kop. On the 23rd January 1900 General Woodgate, who was in command of the assaulting force, decided to take Spion Kop from the south-west face. The force employed was the 2nd Battalion Royal Lancaster Regiment, the 2nd Battalion Lancashire Fusiliers, two companies of the 1st Battalion South Lancashire Regiment, and Thorneycroft's Mounted Infantry, whose strength was 18 officers and 180 men, all dismounted for the task in hand. About 11 pm on the 23rd the force moved off, and after the first half-mile Thorneycroft and his men headed the column. When dawn broke and the thick mist lifted, the British found themselves exposed and the Boers, who held the higher ground, took full advantage of their position. Very early in the battle the higher-ranking British officers were killed or mortally wounded, leaving Thorneycroft the most senior officer present. A British counterattack failed in the face of withering fire from the Boers, but Thorneycroft refused to allow any under his command to surrender. 1 Page of research. It is because of Major-General Thorneycroft’s actions at Spion Kop that medals to this regiment, and with the bars Tugela Heights and Relief of Ladysmith have become sought after.
VF R3 000
M9
Two Bars: SA 1901; SA1902 to 1344 QM SGT G MC DONALD Steinecker's Horse VF R2 000
M10
Five Bars: CC; OFS; TVL; SA01; SA02 to Civilian SURGEON J C RAMSEY Naming Engraved for officers
F+ R3 800
M11
Three Bars: CC; OFS; TVL Pte H. CROWN Rly PNR Regt
VF R1 600
M12
Two Bars: OFS; TVL Tpr W.S. NOUSE SA Lt Horse
VF R1 600
General tems
K427
BOER WAR BRIAR PIPE Beautifully carved with a profile of Oom Paul Boer War between rows of flowers. SOUTH AFRICA 1901 Engraved from William to Harry Blagg.
VF R1 100
