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Auction: 12002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 214

Queen´s South Africa 1899-1902, three clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (6000 Pte. A. Lee. E. Kent Regt.), good very fine Estimate £ 140-180 6000 Private A. Lee, East Kent Regiment, was killed in action at Baakenlaagte, 30.10.1901, on the latter date ´the Buffs formed part of Colonel Benson´s column when it was attacked at Baakenlaagte... The rear-guard, which was the object of the enemy´s main attack, "was composed of two companies Mounted Infantry, two squadrons Scottish Horse, two guns 84th Battery, and one company 2nd Buffs, the whole under the command of Major Anley, 3rd Mounted Infantry. The guns, the company of Buffs, and 50 Mounted Infantry were posted on a ridge, some Mounted Infantry and Scottish Horse being out as a screen. The screen was ordered to close in, but at the same time it was compelled by a strong force of enemy to retire. The company of the Buffs which formed the original escort, posted well to the front of the guns on the south side of the ridge, was captured by the enemy, as he rode practically into our position almost in touch with our men. Colonel Benson had ordered up two additional companies of the Buffs to reinforce the ridge, but these did not succeed in reaching any positions whence their fire could effectually be brought to bear. Colonel Benson reached the guns, and there he and Colonel Guinness fell. Only one end of the ridge, occupied by some of the Mounted Infantry, remained in our hands when darkness set in. The two guns were captured and removed after dusk´ (British Regiments in South Africa 1899-1902, J. Stirling, refers); the Buffs suffered casualties of 1 officer and 8 men killed, 3 officers and 39 men wounded.

Sold for
£580