Lot 107
Lovat’s Scouts ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
The Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Private George McHolm, Lovat’s Scouts comprising, Queen’s South Africa Medal, 1899-1902, 3rd type, three clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, (37379 Pte G. McHolm. Lovat’s Scouts.) impressed naming very small edge bump just under the “T” of Lovat’s otherwise very fine (1)
Lovat's Scouts were formed in January 1900 by Simon Fraser, 14th Lord Lovat. Initially recruited from gamekeepers on Highland estates.
Lovat's Scouts were attached to the Black Watch and disbanded in July 1901 forming companies, the 113th and 114th Imperial Yeomanry. On the cessation of hostilities, the two companies returned to the United Kingdom on board the SS Tintagel Castle and were disbanded.
One account notes;
"Many of their soldiers were elderly; gamekeepers from big Scottish estates and were famed for their shooting. These sharpshooters became the first sniper unit in the British Army, where previously such military tactics were considered uncivilised."
George McHolm was a 24-year-old Gamekeeper from Dumfries, he Joined the Imperial Yeomanry, Lovat’s Scouts on the 31st of October 1901. He served in South Africa from the 3rd of December 1901 to the 18th of August 1902. He was Discharged after 299 days service in England on the 28th of August 1902.
Sold with Copy Service Papers which confirm the three clasps.
