Orders, Decorations and Medals

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg (3072 Pte. J.W. Oman, W. Riding Regt.) very fine

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, Medals to the Duke of Wellington's (West Riding) Regiment from the Collection of Mr Donald Hall.

View
Collection

Severely wounded at Paardeberg, 18 February 1900. The following extract is taken from the Regimental History 1702-1992, Major J.M. Brereton and A.C.S. Savory:

‘After enduring nine days of investment, Piet Cronje had surrendered and the battle of Paardeberg was over. Although none of Kitchener's aggressive plans had been carried to fruition, this was the first major setback for the Boers who lost 4,250 men, the great majority being prisoners, while the capture of General Cronje himself was a severe blow to their morale. British casualties amounted to 300 all ranks killed and some 900 wounded - nearly all during the first day's attacks. The 1st Battalion had Lieutenant F.J. Siordet and 22 other ranks killed, and Captain F.J. de Gex and H.D.E. Greenwood and 104 other ranks wounded, the heaviest casualties of any battalion engaged. Paardeberg was later awarded as a battle honour.