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Auction: 9033 - Orders, Decorations, Campaign Medals & Militaria
Lot: 21

A Good Boer War ´Siege of Dewetsdorp´ D.C.M. Pair to Gunner E. Green, 68th Battery Royal Field Artillery, Who Was Severely Wounded in the Chest During the Action, 23.11.1900 a) Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (78312 Gnr: E. Green. R.F.A.) b) Queen´s South Africa 1899-1902, two clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (78312 Gnr. E. Green 68th Bty., R.F.A.), last with edge bruising, therefore nearly very fine or better (2) Estimate £ 2,000-2,400 D.C.M. London Gazette 27.9.1901 78312 Gunner E. Green, R.F.A. M.I.D. London Gazette 10.9.1901 78312 Gunner E. Green, R.F.A. 78312 Gunner Edward Green, D.C.M., born Bishopgate, London; enlisted Royal Artillery 1890; posted to the 68th Field Battery, 1896, and served with them in South Africa, 21.1.1900-18.5.1901; the 68th Field Battery after initially arriving at the Cape moved to Frederickstad and Krugersdorp, where between August-September 1900, they were frequently engaged; a section, including Green, were part of the garrison at Dewetsdorp; the garrison under the command of Major Massy, 68th Field Battery R.F.A, also consisted of detachments of the Gloucesters, Highland Light Infantry and Irish Rifles - in total approximately 400 men; De Wet with a force numbering around 2,500 laid siege to the town from 18.11.1900, and ´poured a heavy fire on the position occupied by the Highlanders, creeping nightly nearer and nearer, and ceasing neither day nor night in their attack. The water supply was cut off, and the wretched men were scorched by the sun and torn by raging thirst. By the 22nd [November] their position was rendered untenable, but through the gallantry of their comrades, the men were able to retire on their main position. But the occupation of their trenches rendered the situation hopeless, and ammunitionless and waterless, surrender was inevitable.´ (The Transvaal War, L. Creswicke, refers); Massy´s men suffered 15 killed and 42 wounded, including Green, who was severely wounded in the chest, 23.11.1900; De Wet took a large number of the garrison prisoner, however, he left behind approximately 75 sick and wounded men (including Green) so that he could make good his escape before General Knox´s relief column arrived; Green was awarded his D.C.M. for his gallantry during the action - his section had suffered 1 officer and 8 men wounded; discharged 1.4.1902.

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