Lot 99
Killed in Action on the 29th of May 1900 at Biddulphs Berg (Official casualty roll location: Senekal) ‡
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 J.H. Garratt (Sometimes Garrett)2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards who was Killed in Action on the 29th of May 1900 at Biddulphs Berg (Official casualty roll location: Senekal) comprising, Queen’s South Africa Medal, 1899-1902, 2nd type, two clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, (4934 Pte. J.H. Garratt. Gren. Gds.), engraved naming, very fine (1)
“General Rundle, with a force of six companies of Yeomanry, two field batteries, Major General Campbell's brigade, and the 2nd Royal West Kent Regiment, moved out four miles on the Bethlehem Road and encountered the enemy, who were in considerable strength, at Kuring Kraus. After an engagement (generally known as Biddulphsberg) which had no decisive result, General Rundle fell back on Senekal, his casualties amounting to 30 killed and 150 wounded".
This reference is unsatisfactory, and the unofficial accounts of the engagement are more so. On the 28th it had been seen that the enemy's position was strong, but on the 29th an attempt was made on his flank. The hill was shelled heavily, but our field artillery were, it is said by 'The Daily Telegraph' correspondent, who was present, unable to silence one Boer gun. During this artillery 'preparation' several fires were started in the 4-foot-long grass, —one fire the same correspondent attributes to the carelessness of a Yeomanry officer. The infantry now advanced, the Grenadiers leading; but these fires embarrassed them greatly, causing the most horrible suffering to, and indeed the death of, many wounded men. After approaching the foot of the hill, the troops were withdrawn. The correspondent imagined (on the 31st) that the action had relieved Spragge and helped Lord Methuen. As a matter of fact, its only result was that it gave the VIIIth Division, still strange to South African fighting, lessons they seem to have required, and fortunately did not forget.
All accounts agree that the Grenadiers behaved with the most perfect steadiness throughout a very trying day. Their losses were approximately 35 men killed and 5 officers and nearly 100 men wounded. Colonel Lloyd was wounded three times, the last in the abdomen. It was while holding his hand on his colonel's wound that Drummer Haines had his arm smashed.
Sold with Copy Medal Roll confirming the two clasps
