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QSA: CC, OFS, Tr, SA01 named to: 4701 Pte A. Smith, 12 Lancers,

Severely Wounded in action engaged with Commdt J.J. Smith’s Rebel Commando at Wilgebosch Drift 1901. Wounded in action on 17th October 1901 at Wilgebosch Drift near Hopefield.

On that day Major Capper’s Column of the 12th Lancers and Colonial Light Horse had a short but sharp engagement with Commandant J.J. Smith’s Rebel Commando at Wilgebosch Drift, near Hopefield. Due to the dense high shrubs and trees present as well as difficult terrain on the riverbank it gave excellent cover to the Boer Rebels who suffered no casualties for the action. The British however having been picked off by the marksmen suffered three men killed and four wounded, these four men, including Pte. Smith were then taken as Prisoners of War, but after they were stripped of their horses, rifles and ammunition they were released. It is additionally noted on the roll, as with many of the 12th Royal Lancers men that he also served with the “Provisional Regiment of Lancers.”