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Auction: 25111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 433

(x) Pair: Sergeant Farrier W. Funnell, 2nd (Queen's Bays) Dragoon Guards

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (3361 Far.-Serjt: W. Funnell 2nd Dragoons); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (3361 Sergt-Far: W. Funnell 2nd Dragoons), very fine (2)

William Funnell born at Hailsham, Sussex was a shoeing smith when he enlisted in the 2nd Dragoon Guards on 23 May 1889. The regiment sailed on the Orotava on 18 November 1901 and arrived in December. In Lord Kitchener's despatch of 8 February 1902, it was stated that a brigade was being formed under Colonel the Honourable R. T. Lawley, consisting of this regiment and the 7th Hussars, to operate in the Winburg district. The brigade was for some time in the north of the Orange River Colony. They took part in General Elliot's great drive in the last half of February, which was the most productive of the very numerous operations of that nature.

It was during this drive that Steyn and De Wet with some followers broke the line near Vrede, but the bulk of the enemy were driven back by the New Zealanders under Garratt, who held their ground with magnificent determination and inflicted very heavy loss. The drive resulted in over 800 prisoners, 25,000 cattle, 2000 horses, 200 waggons, and 50,000 rounds of ammunition.

In March 1902 Lawley's brigade was moved to Springs in the Transvaal, and on 1st April had severe fighting. In his despatch of 8 April Lord Kitchener says that Colonel Lawley sent out Colonel Fanshawe with three squadrons Queen's Bays and 30 National Scouts to make a detour preparatory to co-operating with his own advance. At 3.15 am Fanshawe surrounded a farm, where several Boers were captured; he then went on and tried to surround a laager, but the enemy were on the alert and he 'was received by a very heavy fire and realising that he was in presence of superior numbers, ordered a gradual retirement upon Leeuwkop. Close fighting then went on for several hours. The Bays, who were skilfully handled, retired steadily by alternate squadrons, whilst the Boers followed, pressing the withdrawal with the greatest determination and persistence'. Leeuwkop was found to be in the enemy's hands, and Fanshawe had to make for another ridge, 'where he received the timely support of the 7th Hussars and Lieutenant Colonel Lawley's guns'. The Boers then fell quickly back. 'In this affair, although the Bays were capably handled and displayed steadiness and gallantry in face of superior numbers, their losses were, I regret to say, heavy. Two squadron-leaders and 10 non-commissioned officers and men were killed, and 5 officers and 59 men were wounded'.

Funnell was discharged unfit for further service on 16 February 1905.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£290

Starting price
£180