Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Belmont (6820 Pte. F. Doran, R:M:L:I: H.M.S. Doris) some edge bruising and marks overall, otherwise very fine £600-£800

Private F. Doran died of wounds received at the battle of Graspan (Enslin), near Belmont, on 25 January 1899. He was Major Plumbe’s servant and died of his wounds on the way down to Simonstown (Naval Brigades in the South African War refers).

At the Battle of Graspan the Naval Brigade carried out the only infantry attack of the Boer War made by men of the Royal Navy:

‘Captain R. C. Prothero, R.N., led the advance, and Major J. H. Plumbe, R.M.L.I., Captain A. E. Marchant, R.M.L.I., and Colour-Sergeant Dyson were in advance of the various marine companies.

Midshipman T. F. J. L. Wardle acted as A.D.C. to Major Plumbe and accompanied that officer. In some places the line was somewhat crowded and ‘bunched,’ but the average extension was about four paces... The officers lost heavily. Commander Ethelston, Major Plumbe and Captain Senior were shot dead, Captain Prothero, R.N., and Lieut. Jones were both severely wounded, and Mishipman Huddart was mortally wounded whilst struggling to advance after being twice hit.’

‘Midshipman Wardle also showed great gallantry, and remained with Major Plumbe and several dead and wounded men, and attended to them and dressed their wounds under a heavy fire.’ (London Gazette 30 March 1900). Wardle was awarded the Conspicuous Service Cross (sold in these rooms on 27 February 2019).