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Auction: 14002 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals and Militaria
Lot: 4

An Unusual Boer War 'Friendly Fire' Incident D.C.M. Pair to Private H. Morton, Seaforth Highlanders
a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (5601 Pte. H. Morton. Seaforth Hdrs:), minor edge bruise
b) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5601 Pte. H. Morton. Sea: Highrs: M.I.), unofficial rivets between state and date clasps on last, good very fine, mounted for wear (2)

D.C.M. London Gazette 26.7.1901 5601 Private H. Morton, Seaforth Highlanders. Morton was decorated for his gallantry during a 'Friendly Fire' incident and Mentioned in Despatches by Lord Kitchener thus, 'Private H. Morton (promoted Corporal); on June 14, a company of mounted infantry with which he was, being shelled by our own guns at 2,000 yards, took cover; Morton stayed in the open trying to signal to the guns, though the shells were all around him.'

The original Recommendation for Morton's D.C.M. made by Major T. Macan, Officer Commanding 18th Mounted Infantry gives the following:
I have the honour to bring to your notice the conduct of No. 5601 Pte. H. Morton 1st Bn. Seaforth Highlanders now serving with the 18th Mounted Infantry as a signaller. On the 14th June 1901 the company to which this man belongs was working in the Houtbosch Loop when shell fire was opened upon it by one of the guns belonging to a cooperating column, the company having been mistaken for the enemy; the company managed to get under cover but Private Morton remained in the open at very great personal risk endeavouring to signal to the party who were firing on the company. The distance the gun was firing from was only about 2,000 yds. and the range had been correctly estimated as the shells were bursting all round the position. I consider the conduct of Pte. Morton well worthy of recognition.'

Additional remarks supplied by Colonel G.E. Benson: 'I recommend Pte. Morton's conduct for consideration. I think that it is probable he may have saved the lives of some of his comrades by this action. The column which opened fire was Col. Parkes'.'

Brigadier General Spens added: 'Forwarded and reccomended that No. 5601 Pte. H. Morton 1/Seaforth Highlanders be awarded a Distinguished Service [as the D.C.M. was sometimes called at the time] Medal for gallant conduct on the 14th June 1901.'

Provenance:
Spink Boer War Sale, 20-21.10.1999

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Sold for
£1,700