Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare and impressive Boer War evader’s D.C.M. pair awarded to Private T. Morgan, 18th Hussars who, having made good his escape in a desperate action in Glencoe Pass in October 1899, obtained civilian clothing and convinced the Boers of his neutral status: rejoining his regiment, he was subsequently killed in action alongside his Troop Commander in a gallant stand at Oliphant’s River on 30 July 1901

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Pte. T. Morgan,18th Hussars); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (4825 Pte., 18/Hrs.), extremely fine (2) £2800-3200

D.C.M. London Gazette 19 April 1901:

‘In recognition of their gallant conduct during the operations in South Africa.’

Thomas Morgan, who was born in Birmingham and enlisted in the 18th Hussars in April 1899, was one of three men in No. 4 Troop, ‘C’ Squadron, 18th Hussars, to fall into enemy hands following a reconnaissance of Glencoe Pass on 22 October 1899 - all had been sent forward as advanced scouts and were cut-off by superior enemy forces, but displayed the most ‘dogged pluck’ in a ‘trying time’. In point of fact, Morgan also displayed impressive initiative and daring, for unlike his two colleagues, Corporal Padwick and Private Clegg (who was severely wounded), he succeeded in evading the Boers and made his way to a German Mission Station where he was provided with civilian clothing. Later arrested, he was sent to Pretoria, but somehow persuaded his captors of his civilian status, and was released after a few days. He rejoined his regiment sometime following the relief of Ladysmith and was awarded the D.C.M.

Advanced to Lance-Corporal in No. 4 Troop, Morgan was killed in action at Oliphant’s River on 30 July 1901, when the 18th Hussars were sent forward to capture an enemy convoy under Viljoen - he was among a small party of men who stayed in the open to protect Captain Leverson, who was hit in the face by a rifle bullet, the whole putting up a gallant stand against numerous Boers - two of whom were killed and another three wounded.

Both this action, and Morgan’s earlier evasion, are subject of special mention in the regimental history, the latter including an extensive account by Corporal Padwick of the Glencoe operation on the 22 October 1899, and it is in the same publication that Morgan receives the following epitath:

‘Halting at Massip’s drift we set to work to count our casualties and get the wounded sent back to the rear. Lance-Corporals J. McGinley and F. Morgan had been killed, the former with Lieutenant Lichtenberg in the river bed, and the latter in the open with Captain Leverson ... We buried our two Corporals, whose death was a great loss to us, close to the drift. They were gallant men, thoroughly well up in their work.’