QSA (5) Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (4779 Tpr: G. W. Suter. 50th. Coy. 17th. Impl: Yeo:)
George William Suter was born in Gosport, Hampshire, in 1877 and attested for the Imperial Yeomanry at Winchester on 14 February 1900, having previously served in the 3rd Volunteer Battalion, Hampshire Regiment. He served with the 50th (Hampshire) Company, 17th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry in South Africa during the Boer War from 7 April 1900 to 9 June 1901, and was captured and taken Prisoner of War at Boshof on 16 January 1901:
‘The column was subjected to a fierce attack from the enemy, who were strongly posted on a long range of kopjes which commanded the road. The fight continued for over three hours before the enemy were dislodged from their position by a frontal advance on foot of the Hampshires and other troops, and at 2 p.m. the Boer position was in our hands. During the engagement the 50th had no casualties except five horses shot in the early part of the fight, and one man, Trooper Suter, being made prisoner. Suter was carried to the ruins of the Viljoens Kloof (which had been burned by the Squadron upon their former visit), and told he would be shot in the morning; but during the night he effected his escape and rejoined his comrades in Boshof.’ (Rhodesia - and after, by Sharrad H. Gilbert refers).
Suter was discharged on 15 June 1901, after 1 year and 122 days’ service.
