Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War by Ian Uys ebook

Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War

by Ian Uys

Approx 200 pages in ebook (pdf) format 

This is an Ebook. It can be read on a desktop, laptop, tablet or dedicated eBook reader. It will be sent to you via email. 

Victoria Crosses of the Anglo-Boer War (2000)

The Victoria Cross was the highest commonwealth medal for bravery in the face of the enemy. 

Their citations provide records of courage which cover the entire war and give an insight into the conditions prevailing at the time. 

We read of the two British Lions rugby players who stayed on in South Africa after the 1896 tour to each win a VC, the attempted rescue of the guns at Colenso, where seven VCs were won, the blinded Scottish officer who continued leading his men, the Capetonian who carried his wounded brother away from the enemy's trenches and the first of the 'Double VCs' to be won. We read also of the American Congressional Medal of Honour winner, whose continuous bravery was recognised by a unique award. 

These acts of valour show that courage will live on long after the battles arc forgotten. 

Introduction 

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for valour which can be awarded to British and Commonwealth forces. Since its inception in 1854 it has been bestowed 1,354 times. It can only be awarded for acts in the presence of the enemy, making the chances of surviving a VC act one in ten. 

During the First Anglo-Boer War (or Transvaal War of Independence) six VCs were awarded. These and the DCMs won were virtually the only medals awarded for that war as no campaign medal was issued. The reason for the inclusion of these VCs with those of the Second Anglo-Boer War is because the same opponents fought over the same terrain -and similar acts of bravery were performed. 

The Boers had no gallantry awards - in fact they had no medals at all until they were promulgated in 1920. The Dekoratie voor Trouwe Dienst (DSO) was for officers only whereas the Anglo-Boere Oorlogmedalje was the campaign medal for the Second Anglo-Boer War. It is unfortunate that the Boers did not similarly honour their heroes; men such as Christiaan de Wet, Danie Theron and the Rev J D Kestell would certainly have qualified for an award such as the VC. 

There were 78 VCs awarded for the Anglo-Boer War. An analyses of these appears in the appendices. When For Valour, the History of Southern Africa S Victoria Cross Heroes was published in 1973 there were fewer reference sources, hence some changes which appear in this book. 

Each VC recipient's age is noted with his name and his biography is presented together with his citation. The OD&M (Orders, Decorations and Medals) ascribed to each person are prepared to the best of my knowledge and belief. Particulars of the 'Queen's Scarf' recipients are included because of their similarity to some VCs - an award instituted by Queen Victoria, to be awarded to the bravest men of each country, by election, during the war.

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