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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 49

(x) An unusual Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to Lieutenant G. O. Schmidt, Western Province Mounted Rifles, who served with this small unit in the latter stages of the Anglo Boer War being wounded at Klampjdoorns on 14 June 1901

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (Lt: G. O. Schmidts, W. Prov: M. R.), slight contact wear and edge bruise, suspension loose, overall very fine

Western Province Mounted Rifles

The W.P.M.R. were raised in December 1900 and had a strength of about 500 during the Guerilla War. According to Tylden, one Troop was composed almost entirely of amateur cricketers. The unit was heavily engaged in the extreme south-west of Cape Colony and patrols were frequently attacked and often captured by marauding Boer Commandos. So much so that the W.P.M.R. earned the nickname of 'Will Provide Maritz with Rifles'! Despite this poor reputation they also fought a number of famous actions, notably the Defence of Tontelbosch Kolk against a commando of 1,000 Boers.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£300

Starting price
£140