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The pair to Corporal W Eddie, ASH, wounded in action at Modder River, 28 November 1899.


Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (1) MR (3121 Pte. W. Eddie, A. & S. Highrs:);
Army LS&GC EdVII (3121 L. Cpl. W. Eddie. A. & S. Hdrs.)

William Eddie was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and attested as a Boy for the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders at Dundee, in May 1889.

He served with the 1st Battalion, Argyll & Sutherland Highlanders during the Second Boer War, and was wounded in action at Modder River, 28 November 1899. He advanced to Corporal in September 1909, and was discharged 30 September 1911, having served 22 years and 143 days with the Colours (awarded LS&GC in October 1907).

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (1) MR (6517 Pte. J. Paterson, A. & S. Highrs:)

Paterson served with the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders in South Africa during the Boer War, and died of disease at Orange River on 10 April 1900.

£240 (hammer)

My latest purchase of a QSA casualty which also covers the single clasp criteria. ( On this occasion Mike, a Jiffy Bag Highland Fling).




5122 Private J Campbell 1st Battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders. Queens South Africa medal with Modder River clasp.

John Campbell was born in 1874 at Gladsmuir, Haddington, Pencaithland East Lothian. He lived at Quarry house Spilmersford.
At 17 years of age he was living with his family and was working as an apprentice sawyer in 1891.

John joined the 2nd battalion Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders in 1894 aged 20. He served in India and was awarded the I G S with Punjab frontier 1897-98 clasp.

Private Campbell was on the move again in 1899 with the 1st battalion
sailing on the Orcana on the 27th October 1899, they arrived at the Cape on the 18th November. Along with the 2nd Black Watch, 1st Highland Light Infantry, and 2nd Seaforths, they formed the 3rd Highland Brigade under Major General Wauchope.

On the day at Modder River, 28th November. The battalion was placed under the commander of the 9th Brigade, Major General Pole-Carew. At 6.30 am the battalion was in reserve, but before 7.30 am they were in the firing line. They extended on both sides of the railway, and those on the right of it, having little cover, suffered very severely. It will be remembered that not withstanding every effort the Guards Brigade on the right of Lord Methuen's line could not effect a crossing of the river. Lord Methuen then directed his attention to the left and left centre. In the afternoon Colonel Barter with two companies of his men, the Yorkshire Light Infantry, assisted by men of the other regiments, carried a house and some rising ground which the Boers held on the near or left side of the river. Lieutenant Thorpe of the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders, acting directly under the orders of General Pole-Carew, boldly took his company into, and across, the river. The battalions in the firing line were mixed, and some of the Yorkshire Light Infantry and the Northumberlands accompanied Lieutenant Thorpe. The Boers still offered fierce opposition, but a battery galloping up helped to keep down the enemy's fire; it is said, however, to have unwittingly put some shells among its own forces. Soon more men got over, and General Pole-Carew was then able to advance up the north bank with some 400 men.

The losses of the Argyle's at Modder River were nearly double those of any other battalion engaged, being about 20 men killed, 2 officers and 93 men wounded, yet, strangely enough, Lord Methuen gave the battalion no mentions . Several unofficial accounts of the battle, including those of American journalist Mr Julian Ralph, who was present at the action, gave special praise to the conduct of the battalion

Private John Campbell was one of the 93 wounded men and was transferred to a field hospital. He died of his wounds aged 25, two days after the action on the 30th of November 1899. He was interred at Kimberley West Cemetery and is also commemorated on the Argyle and Sutherland Highlanders memorial at Stirling Castle, Stirling Scotland.
His personal effects were left to his brother Lauchlan Campbell, which equated to 3 shillings and 4 pennies.



J Campbell Medal roll


Memorial's to 5122 Pte John Campbell.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (1) Modder River (3147 Pte G. Franks. A. & S. Highrs:) darkly toned, nearly extremely fine £200-£240

Private Franks served with the 1st Battalion, Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders during the Second Boer War. He was wounded at Modder River on 29 November 1899.

Sold for a hammer price of GBP 280. Totals: GBP 361. R 8,060. AUD 660. NZD 720. CAD 600. USD 440. EUR 400.