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Served: Grikwaland Wes. Received the Wound Ribbon (Lint voor Verwonding).

ABO (Burger C.E. Viljoen). City Coins June 2012.

Christoffel Viljoen served as a Cape Rebel under Gen P. de Villiers in the Griqualand West Commando. He claimed that he was present at various engagements, including Faber's Put, Magersfontein and Houwater (near Prieska), where he was wounded on 28 Nov 1899.

His ABO medal and Lint voor Wonden were approved and issued in 1922. However, in July 1924, the District Staff Officer of No. 13 Military District (Kimberley) wrote to the Adjudant General, Pretoria (freely translated): “There are allegations that Viljoen never fought on the Boer side, but that, during his short period of active service, he actually served with the British. Please advise whether you intend to take the matter further, and, if so, what steps are required?" In reply Viljoen‟s “B” and “C” forms, signed by Gen de Villiers, were sent to Kimberley with instructions that Viljoen had to come in and be cross-examined as to claims on forms. Viljoen stuck to his story and Gen de Villiers (who was 72 at the time) acknowledged the validity of his signature. Early in 1925 it was officially decided to drop the matter and accept the status quo.

ABO (Burger C.E. Viljoen). Bobshop December 2023. Starting price R 14,000


Pictures courtesy of Bobshop