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Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer Warby Ian UysApprox 200 pages in ebook (pdf) format
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Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (2000)The Victoria Cross was the highest commonwealth medal for bravery in the face of the enemy.
Their citations provide records of courage which cover the entire war and give an insight into the conditions prevailing at the time.
We read of the two British Lions rugby players who stayed on in South Africa after the 1896 tour to each win a VC, the attempted rescue of the guns at Colenso, where seven VCs were won, the blinded Scottish officer who continued leading his men, the Capetonian who carried his wounded brother away from the enemy's trenches and the first of the 'Double VCs' to be won. We read also of the American Congressional Medal of Honour winner, whose continuous bravery was recognised by a unique award.
These acts of valour show that courage will live on long after the battles arc forgotten.
Introduction The Victoria Cross is the highest award for valour which can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Since its inception in 1854 it has been bestowed 1,354 times. It can only be awarded for acts in the presence of the enemy, making the chances of surviving a VC act one in ten.
During the First Anglo-Boer War (or Transvaal War of Independence) six VCs were awarded. These and the DCMs won were virtually the only medals awarded for that war as no campaign medal was issued. The reason for the inclusion of these VCs with those of the Second Anglo-Boer War is because the same opponents fought over the same terrain -and similar acts of bravery were performed.
The Boers had no gallantry awards - in fact they had no medals at all until they were promulgated in 1920. The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst (DSO) was for officers only whereas the Anglo-Boere Oorlogmedalje was the campaign medal for the Second Anglo-Boer War. It is unfortunate that the Boers did not similarly honour their heroes; men such as Christiaan de Wet, Danie Theron and the Rev J D Kestell would certainly have qualified for an award such as the VC.
There were 78 VCs awarded for the Anglo-Boer War. An analyses of these appears in the appendices. When For Valour, the History of Southern Africa S Victoria Cross Heroes was published in 1973 there were fewer reference sources, hence some changes which appear in this book.
Each VC recipient's age is noted with his name and his biography is presented together with his citation. The OD&M (Orders, Decorations and Medals) ascribed to each person are prepared to the best of my knowledge and belief. Particulars of the 'Queen's Scarf' recipients are included because of their similarity to some VCs - an award instituted by Queen Victoria, to be awarded to the bravest men of each country, by election, during the war.
Table of ContentIntroduction
Monarchs of the Empire
VCs of the First Anglo-Boer War
1881
Lance/Cpl J Murray
Trooper J Danaher
Lieut A R Hill
Private J Doogan
Private J Osborne
L/Cpl J Farmer
VCs of the Second Anglo-Boer War
1899
Captain C Fitzclarence
Captain M F M Meiklejohn
Sgt-Major W Robertson
Captain C H Mullins
Captain R Johnston
Lieut J Norwood
Captain E B B Towse
Corporal J D F Shaul
Lieut HEM Douglas DSO
Captain H N Schofield
Captain W N Congreve
Captain H L Reed
Lieut F S Roberts
Major W Babtie CMG
Corporal G E Nurse
Private G Ravenhill
Sergeant H R Martineau
Trooper H E Ramsden
1900
Lieut Sir J P Milbanke, Bart
Lieut R J T Digby-Jones
Trooper H Albrecht
Lieut J E I Masterson
Private R Scott