Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare ‘Matabeleland’ D.C.M. awarded to Trooper J. Lester, Bulawayo Field Force, for the ‘V.C. action’ at Umguza River, 22 April 1896

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (Trooper, Buluwayo (sic) Field Force) extremely fine £3500-4000

D.C.M. London Gazette 9 March 1897.

On 22 April 1896, in an attempt to drive the Matabeles from their stronghold based on the Umguza River, a drive was made along both banks. That on the southern bank led by Grey’s Scouts suddenly found itself in danger of being cut off by hundreds of rebels. Ian S. Uys in his book, For Valour’ recounts the action and the mutiple deeds of gallantry:

‘The 20 Grey’s Scouts fought gallantly as they withdrew from the encircling Matabele. A party of rebels took up position amongst some bushed to the left of their line of retreat. The foremost scouts galloped past the ambush, but Captain Grey and a few men stopped to return fire. As Trooper Wise was mounting his horse to continue the retreat he was shot in the back. His horse broke away and galloped off, leaving the wounded man at the mercy of the rebels. Trooper Frank William Baxter immediately turned his horse about and returned for Wise. .... Baxter dismounted, placed Wise in the saddle, and slapped the horses rump. As it galloped off with its swaying burden he set out to follow it to safety on foot. Captain Grey and Lieutenant Hook then went to Baxter’s assistance, riding next to the running man, urging him on and providing covering fire. The Matabele closed in on the three men, firing at them from very close range. Lieutenant Hook was badly wounded ... Captain Grey was stunned by a bullet ... Another scout, “Texas” Long , then galloped up to Baxter’s assistance. Baxter held on to Long’s stirrup leather as he ran alongside the horseman. Suddenly Baxter was hit in the side. He let go of the stirrup and fell, to be overrun by the Matabele a few moments later and killed. Meanwhile Lieutenant Crewe gave his horse to the wounded Hook, and covered his retreat with his revolver. Trooper Lester came to the assistance of Crewe, and gave him his horse, then was himself taken up by Captain Grey ....’

For their valour, Baxter was awarded a posthumous Victoria Cross (London Gazette 7 May 1897 & 15 January 1907) and Lester a Distinguished Conduct Medal.