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Auction: 25003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 323

The group set of three dress miniatures attributed to Captain J. C. Dewar, 7th of Vogrie, 1st King's Dragoon Guards, whose wounding and later rescue by two men of the 94th Foot at Sekukuni's Stronghold on Conference Hill, saw both men earn the Victoria Cross, surviving he was 'mentioned' and went on to serve as Privy Chamberlain to Pope's Leo XIII and Pius X

Vatican, Holy See, Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, breast Badge, gold and enamel; Sovereign Military Order of Malta, Knight of Honour and Devotion, gold and enamel; South Africa 1877-79, mounted as worn in that order, good very fine (3)

M.I.D. London Gazette 16 January 1880.

James Cumming Dewar was born at Edinburgh on 13 January 1857 the son of Jane and Colonel Alexander Cumming, 6th of Vogrie. Joining the Militia, he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant with the King's Dragoon Guards on 8 December 1877, being advanced Lieutenant on 19 February 1879. He was posted to South Africa for service in the final months of the Zulu War.

The end of that conflict saw Dewar join the Mounted Infantry of Russell's column as a volunteer for the resumed campaign against Sekukuni 1879. A mixed force of 1,400 Imperial troops, including two companies of the 94th Foot, and some 800 Colonial troops was to attack the major Bapedi stronghold at Conference Hill. Dewar served attached to the men of the 94th Foot during this action.

He was at the forefront of the advance and seriously wounded, he was being carried down the hill by six native attendants when suddenly a party of some 40 Bapedi attacked. The attendants fled leaving Dewar helpless, fortunately two privates of the 94th Foot, Francis Fitzpatrick and Thomas Flawn, were nearby and rushed to his aid. One picked up and carried Dewar to safety while the other covered the retreat, keeping the enemy back until they were able to reach safety, both men were awarded the Victoria Cross.

Remaining in the Military Dewar recovered his wounds and received a 'mention' for his services, he was additionally advanced Captain on 2 October 1882. Transferred to the 11th Prince Albert's Own Hussars on 27 February 1884 he served with them until 1887 when he resigned his commission. A committed Roman Catholic he worked as Privy Chamberlain to Pope Leo XIII and after his death in July 1903 Pope Pius X. For this role he was appointed a Knight of the Order of the Holy Sepulchre and a Knight of Honour and Devotion of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.

Admitted to the Royal Company of Archers in 1901, Dewar died at Dowrey House, Vogrie, Edinburgh on 29 April 1908; sold together with copied research.

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Estimate
£240 to £280

Starting price
£190