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Auction: 25113 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 302

(x) 'Major Campbell made special mention on this march of Martin Hudson who had been one of De Wet's scouts in the South African War. On each occasion when touch was lost with those in front, Hudson found the way. Incidentally, as transport sergeant to the Regiment in the Rebellion of 1914 and the South West African Campaign of 1915, and to the 6th South African Infantry in East Africa in 1916, he could be relied on to get his wagons through when no one else could. He coped equally well with sand, marsh or morass, mountain or valley, and he understood his animals whether ox, horse, mule or donkey'

(The Durban Light Infantry refers)

The campaign group of six awarded to Serjeant M. Hudson, Durban Light Infantry, who served as one of De Wet's Scouts during the Boer War, quite possibly being wounded in the process

Specially commended for his work during the Natal Revolt of 1906 he saw further service in East Africa during the Great War, a stalwart of his unit

Anglo-Boer Oorlog Medal 1899-1902 (Korpl. M. Hudson.); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (Pte. M. Hudson, Durban Light Infantry.); 1914-15 Star (Sjt. M. Hudson 1st Infantry.); British War and Victory Medals (Sjt. M. Hudson. 6th S.A.I.); Colonial Auxiliary Forces L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (No. 44718 Sjt. M. Hudson. 1st Infy. (D.L.I.)), mounted as worn, contact wear and minor pitting overall very fine (6)

Martin Hudson was born in Brandford, Orange Free State and served as a Korporal with the Potchefstroom Kommando, as well as serving as a scout for General De Wet. He saw service during the Natal revolt with Major Campbell's company of the Durban Light Infantry, receiving special mention for his scouting abilities during that unit's 28 mile night march from 25-26 May. His company served as rearguard from the British column on that occasion and had responsibility for collecting stragglers.

His attention papers, signed upon the outbreak of the Great War note that he had bullet wounds in the right and left sides and his right elbow though when he suffered those wounds is unknown. The History of the Durban Light Infantry notes that he served as transport Sergeant during the 1914 before joining the 1st Infantry on 1 October 1914 and seeing service in German South West Africa.

Re-enlisting on 14 December 1915 with the 6th Infantry as a Regimental Transport Sergeant he was posted to German East Africa. His service earned him a stellar reputation with the Battalion History commenting:

'Relieved at 8.30 a.m. on the 3rd October , the 6th crossed the Mgeta River by boatswain's chair and found some of their waggons three miles back under the ever-reliable Sgt. Martin Hudson, a veteran of the South Africa War on the Boer side, and transport sergeant to the Durban Light Infantry in the 1914 Rebellion and the South-West Campaign.'

Returning to South Africa he was discharged at Potchefstroom on 29 July 1917 but remained with the Regiment as an Auxiliary. He was awarded his Long Service Medal on 15 August 1924, it is possible that he served during the Mine Revolt of 1922 since the Regiment was mobilised then, but it is not known. Martin was still alive in 1947, living in Durban; sold together with copied research and extracts from The Durban Light Infantry.

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

Estimate

Starting price
£320