An Anglo-Boer War D.T.D. pair awarded to Vechtgeneraal J. N. H. Grobler, Ermelo Kommando

Anglo-Boer War Decoration for Loyal Service (Dekoratie voor Troue Dienst) 1899-1902 (V. Genl. J. N. H. Grobler.); Anglo-Boer War Medal 1899-1902 (V. Genl. J. N. H. Grobler.) minor edge bruising, nearly extremely fine (2) £1,800-£2,200

Johannes Nicolas Hermanus Grobler was born in Lydenburg on the 27 February 1864, and having settled in Ermelo was appointed District Kommandant in 1899. Under his leadership, the Ermelo Kommando were among the first to cross the Natal Border after the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. Together with his kommando, Grobler took an active part in the battles at Dundee, Modderspruit, Colenso, Spionkop, Bosrand, and Pietershoogten, amongst many others. From Natal his kommando was sent to the Orange Free State. After the battle of Donkerhoek he was recalled to Ermelo, and after Dalmanutha he returned again to the Highveld, where the decision was made to conduct another raid on Natal. The Ermelo Kommando was also included and deployed to the south, where they were involved at Melmoth, Itala and other consecutive battles.

After returning to the Ermelo district on 23 October 1901, Grobler was promoted to Vechtgeneraal. He subsequently took an active part in many smaller battles and skirmishes and had many a narrow escape. His kommando finally downed arms near Ermelo on 9 June 1902.

Grobler married Gertruda Uys, with whom he had three children, including Johannes Nicolas Grobler. He died following blood poisoning to his right leg on 18 December 1913; his medals were posthumously presented to his son.

Sold with two photographs, the first depicting Grobler’s Kommando; the second the remnants of his farm, the farmhouse having been destroyed under Kitchener’s ‘slash and burn’ policy; copied service papers; and other research, including a photographic image of the recipient.

For the medals awarded to the recipient’s son, and other family members, see lots 187, 219, and 443.