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Auction: 19002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 634

(x) Namaqualand Border Scouts

The Corps, about 360 strong, served as part of the Garrison of O'okiep when the town was besieged in April 1902, and were complimented by Lord Kitchener, five of its soldiers being mentioned in his despatch of 23 June 1902.

In the words of a British officer who, although not belonging to them, saw much of their work, 'they were an excellent force, which did a great deal of hard patrol work under Colonel White, and had several stiff brushes with the enemy. They were conspicuous for consistently refusing to surrender when surrounded, as patrols were at times. They would keep up a fight till dark, and although half of them were killed the survivors of the party would escape. They made wonderful marches without water in their desert country.'

Reference source:

https://www.angloboerwar.com/unit-information/south-african-units/433-namaqualand-border-scouts

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (329 Pte. W. C. Francks. Namqlnd B.S.), note spelling of surname, good very fine

William Constable Franks served as a Foot Scout with the Namaqualand Border Scouts.

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Sold for
£140