A Boer War Silver Pocket Watch, presented to Gunner Isaac Lodge, V.C., “Q” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery, awarded the Victoria Cross for Gallantry in the battle at ‘Sannah’s Post’

Silver Presentation Pocket Watch, silver half-hunter by Mappin & Webb, 2 Queen Victoria Street, London, the back plate inscribed, ‘Presented to Gunner Lodge, V.C. (Sanna’s Post 1901) by his fellow parishioners Gt. Canfield’, stamp marks to inside of front and back covers, with hallmarked silver watch chain, in Mappin & Webb leather case of issue, state of interior workings unknown, very good condition £1000-1500

V.C. London Gazette 26 June 1900.

Isaac Lodge was born in Great Canfield, near Dunmow, Essex, on 6 May 1866 and was educated in the local school. He enlisted into the Royal Garrison Artillery on 29 December 1888 and a few weeks later transferred to the Royal Horse Artiilery. With “B” then “Q” Battery he served in India before proceeding to South Africa and the Boer War. It was on the occasion of the action at Korn Spruit, 31 March 1900, that Gunner Lodge gained his Victoria Cross. Two batteries of the R.H.A. were ambushed with the loss of most of the baggage and five guns of the leading battery. When the alarm was given, “Q” Battery went into action with five guns, 1150 yards from the Spruit, until they were ordered to retire. Four of the guns were removed, some of limbers moved by hand; efforts to move the fifth gun to safety had to be abandoned after four attempts after horses were killed and many of the volunteers were wounded. As a result of the gallant action in saving the guns, one officer, one non-commissioned officer and two other ranks received the Victoria Cross by ballot. In Addition to his Victoria Cross, Gunner (later Bombardier) Lodge was awarded the Queen’s South Africa Medal with 5 clasps, the Coronation Medal 1911 and Army Long Service Medal. After his military service, he was a Keeper employed at Hyde Park. He died in London, following an operation, on 13 June 1923.

Sold with a 7 July 1900 edition of The Graphic which features a photograph of Isaac Lodge and an account of the V.C. action and the circumstances of the award (a little tatty and discoloured in places); a paper cutting, announcing his death, bearing a photograph of the recipient wearing his V.C. and Q.S.A.; and a letter detailing the provenance of the watch. Also with copied research.