War Medals

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL : 2ND. DRAGOON GUARDS (QUEEN'S BAYS)

Bars, 'Cape Colony', 'Orange Free State', 'Transvaal', 'South Africa 1901', 'South Africa 1902', officially impressed naming - 4161 Corpl. A.W. SIMMONS, 2nd. Drgn. Gds. (Dragoon Guards) : (ALBERT WILLIAM SIMMONS - Born at Lewes, Sussex in 1872, attested for 10th.Hussars on 20 June 1891, having previously served with 1st. Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers. Transferred to 2nd.Dragoon Guards from 4 January 1893 and served with the Regiment in India. Placed on Army Reserve from 20 June 1898, but with the outbreak of war in South Africa, was recalled to his former Regiment. Served with 2nd. Dragoon Guards in South Africa from 15 November 1901 and was SEVERELY WOUNDED at Leeuwkop on 1 April 1902. For his gallantry in the field at Leeuwkop he was promoted to Corporal and awarded a gratuity.(London Gazette dated 18 July 1902 records "For gallantry at Holspruit on 1st April 1902, ALTHOUGH SHOT THROUGH BOTH LEGS HE BROUGHT IN A PRISONER. Promoted corporal by Commander-in-Chief"). In his Despatch of 8 April 1902, Lord Kitchener states that Colonel Fanshawe with three squadrons of the Queen's Bays and thirty National Scouts was sent out to make a detour preparatory to co-operating with the advance. At 3.15am he rounded a farm, where several Boers were captured, he then went on and attempted to surround a laager, but the enemy were on the alert and he "was received by a very heavy fire, and realising that he was in the presence of superior numbers, ordered a gradual retirement upon Leeuwkop. Close fighting then went on for several hours. The Bays, who were skilfully handled, retired by alternate squadrons, whilst the Boers followed, pressing the withdrawal with the greatest determination and persistence." Leeuwkop was found to be in the enemy's hands, and Fanshawe had to make for another ridge, where he received the timely support of the 7th. Hussars and some artillery. The Boers then fell back. Kitchener continues, "In this affair, although the Bays were capably handled and displayed steadiness and gallantry in the face of superior numbers, their losses were, I regret to say, heavy. Two squadron-leaders and ten non-commissioned officers and men were killed, and five officers and fifty-nine men were wounded". The recipient returned home on 3 July 1902 and was re-transferred to the Army Reserve on 28 April 1903. He was discharged on 19 June of that year, then having completed twelve years service. ) : Sold with verification, copy Service Record, copy London Gazette entry, copy Casualty Roll and related research. NEF - £545