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Auction: 19001 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 220

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein (3994. Pte. J. Cottam. 14/Hrs.), very fine

J. Cottam received a slight wound at Grootfontein on 24 April 1900. On this occasion the 8th and 14th Hussars were ordered to occupy a high ridge to their front - they galloped forward and dismounted, reaching the top just before the Boers. A fire-fight ensued during which 'A' Squadron were pinned down so that they had to keep their faces flat on the ground. The Squadron C.O., Captain Denny, was killed outright, together with two other men. The action subsequently delayed the cavalry so that it was unable to cut off the retreat from Wepener. The infantry captured De Wetsdorp but the Boers were reinforced by Louis Botha and withdrew to the mountains around Thabanchu. It was here that the 14th Brigade narrowly avoided being surrounded, only managing to escape due to the rearguard actions of the 14th Hussars.

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Sold for
£160