Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 21103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction 4
Lot: 33

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (20914 Tpr: W. B. Smith 6th Imp: Yeo:), good very fine

William Brownlee Smith was born in Havelock, South Island, New Zealand in 1879 to a prominent local family. His father, William Hadfield Smith, had been born in Hobart, Tasmania in 1845 and came to New Zealand in 1862. Settling in Havelock he was Manager of Messrs Brownlee and Co's store and a member of the Havelock Town and Cemetery Board.

Smith was sent back to Scotland to be educated and on enlistment on 29 January 1901, was an apprentice engineer at Crow Harvey & Co., Glasgow which made machinery for iron works. He was a member of the Lanarkshire Rifle Volunteers where he was a marksman. He left for South Africa on 22 February 1901. On the 20 January 1902 whilst camped near Mequatling's Nek, six men were wounded. The next day as Smith relaxed in his tent, he received a mortal gunshot wound to his testicle and thigh from a negligent discharge fired by a Corporal in a neighbouring tent. Evacuated to Ladybrand Hospital, he died on 1 February.

News of his death did not reach New Zealand, for his father was writing in December 1901 asking for his son to be transferred to the 6th New Zealand Contingent, so that he could return home and not Scotland. His effects of a money belt and 4 "Kruger coins" (two sixpences and two 3d pieces) were sent in July 1902.



Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£230

Starting price
£50