A rare Defence of Mafeking casualty group of three to Troop Sergeant Major H. B. Upton, British South Africa Police, killed in action in the defence of Cannon Kopje

South Africa 1877-79, 1 clasp, 1877-8-9 (Pte., No. 6 Tp. C.M. Rifles); British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Matabeleland 1893 (1169 Sergt., B.B. Police); Queen’s South Africa 1899- 1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Mafeking (1169 T. Serjt. Maj., B.S.A. Police) extremely fine and a very rare group (3) £2500-3000

See Colour Plate VI

Troop Sergeant Major H. B. Upton was killed in action at Mafeking on 31 October 1899.

On 31 October 1899, Piet Cronje, a son of the General, led an attack on Cannon Kopje, the southern outpost held by Colonel Walford and 45 of the B.S.A. Police. This position was recognised as of the most vital importance in the defence of Mafeking, and if captured a Boer gun would have Mafeking entirely at its mercy. Recognised as such, it had been severely and constantly shelled by the enemy since the commencement of the siege.

It was after one of these severe bombardments that a considerable number of dismounted burghers were to be seen advancing through the long grass. Instantly the parapets of the trenches were manned, and without cover the B.S.A. Police, with the assistance of two Maxims, opened fire on the enemy. Time after time the Boers came within charging distance and time after time they were repulsed by our men. Eventually the advancing Boer forces wavered, then halted and finally fled towards their horses which were judiciously located in the rear, whilst our garrison, unprotected, continued their fusilade on the retreating Boers. During this action Captain the Hon. Douglas H. Marsham and Captain Charles A. K. Pechell with two Sergeants and two troopers were killed and five men were wounded. Of the Boer force it is estimated that their loss was far greater than our own; it included Piet Cronje who gallantly led the assault. In Colonel Baden-Powell’s despatch on the defence of Mafeking, dated 18th May 1900, he referred at length to the action at Cannon Kopje, mentioning the names of the killed and wounded.