Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An extremely rare Boer War ‘Balloon Section’ D.C.M. group of three awarded to Company Quartermaster Sergeant W. J. Wellman, Royal Engineers

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (22671 Serjt: W. J. Wellman. R.E.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg (22671 Serjt: W. J. Wellman R.E.) engraved naming; Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (22671 Coy. Q.M. Sjt. W. J. Wellman. R.E.) minor edge bruising and contact marks, very fine and extremely rare (3) £6,000-£8,000

Sotheby’s July 1981 and Spink, April 2000.

One of only 2 Distinguished Conduct Medals awarded to the Balloon Section during the Boer War.

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 June 1902.

W. J. Wellman was decorated for services with the 1st Balloon Section, Royal Engineers (Army Order 10/03 refers). In addition to his D.C.M., he was also Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ Despatch of 1 March 1902 (a continuation of Roberts’ Despatch of 4 September 1901), for services during the period up to 29 November 1900 (London Gazette 17 June 1902).

The 1st Balloon Section joined Lord Methuen’s advance on the Modder River and at the battle of Magersfontein, 11 December 1899, observing the enemy and directing the artillery with great effect. In 1900 they provided vital information on the Boer’s positions at Paardeberg, February 1900, even though the 12,000 cubic foot Duchess of Connaught was holed and leaking badly. The gas was transferred to the Bristol which flew at the Battle of Poplar Grove, 7 March 1900, and in the advance from Bloemfontein. This balloon was kept inflated for 22 days on the 165 mile march. They then took part in the engagements at Vet River and Zand River in May 1900.

Note: The diary of No. 1 Balloon Section, Royal Engineers during the South African War is held by the R.A.F. Museum, Hendon.