Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 12002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 304

Queen´s South Africa 1899-1902, seven clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (1293 Pte. H. Manley, 2nd D. Of C. Lt. Infy.), minor edge nicks, good very fine Estimate £ 240-280 1293 Private H. Manley served with the 1st Battalion, Duke of Cornwall´s Light Infantry during the Wuntho Expedition, 1891 (entitled to I.G.S. 1854-95 with ´Burma 1889-92´ clasp); transferred to the 2nd Battalion for service during the Boer War, and was listed as ´Missing in Action´ at Houtnek, 30.4.1900, on the latter date ´the column, consisting of the 19th Brigade, Ridley´s Mounted Infantry, and the 81st and 82nd Batteries, moved north. The Boers were found in another strong position at Houtnek. Their centre and left were beyond Hamilton´s strength; their right, consisting of Thoba Mountain to the west of the pass, was a strong position but weakly held. Kitchener´s Horse gained a footing on the mountain, and two companies of the Shropshires, the 1st Gordons, and four companies of the Canadians were sent to support them. The Cornwalls guarded the rear, and the remainder of the Shropshires made a feint against the enemy´s left. In the afternoon the enemy, realising the importance of Thoba, threw reinforcements on to it; but, thanks to a splendid stand made by Captain Towse with a small party of Gordons and Kitchener´s Horse, our people were able to hold on till darkness and then lay down on the ground gained´ (British Regiments in South Africa 1899-1902, J. Stirling, refers); Manley subsequently rejoined and was discharged to England. Provenance: Christie´s, April 1992

Sold for
£260