Lot 98
Killed in Action, 21st of January 1900 at Venter's Spruit ‡
Clandestine Operations - Inc The D.J. Croll Medal Collection & Other Properties | M26002
Auction: 16 September 2026 at 10.30 BST
Description
The Scarce, Single Clasp, Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Private G. Owen, 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment who was Killed in Action at Venter’s Spruit on the 21st of January 1900 comprising, Queen’s South Africa Medal, 1899-1902, 2nd Type, Ghost Dates, one Clasp, Relief of Ladysmith, (3403 Pte G. Owen, W. Yorkshire Regt), impressed naming very fine (1)
2nd West Yorks from angloboerwar.com:
The 2nd Battalion sailed on the Roslin Castle on 19th October 1899 and arrived at the Cape about 8th November and at Durban about the 11th. Along with the 2nd Queen's, 2nd Devons, and 2nd East Surrey, they formed the 2nd Brigade under Major General Hildyard. The work of the brigade is sketched under the 2nd Queen's.
At Willow Grange on 22nd November, when Hildyard made the night attack on Joubert's people, the West Yorks had the place of honour and did well. In his report, dated 24th November 1899, General Hildyard said, "Colonel Kitchener, West Yorkshire Regiment, led the assaulting force with energy and judgment, and all ranks of the 2nd Battalion West Yorkshire Regiment behaved admirably". The losses of the Battalion were approximately 10 men killed, 1 officer and 50 men wounded, and Major Hobbs a prisoner. Major Hobbs was taken prisoner owing to his anxiety to bring in all those who were wounded. At Venter's Spruit the Battalion had some very severe fighting on the left of Warren's force, particularly on 21st January. One company got so far in advance of the general line that they had to remain isolated till nightfall. That day the Battalion lost 1 officer and 5 men killed, and 1 officer and over 40 men wounded.
Sold with Copy Medal Roll confirming a single clasp medal and Killed in Action 21-1-00. The Boer War Casualty Roll shows him as J. Owen with the number 3404. Died of Wounds 21st January 1900 at Spearman’s Camp
