Orders, Decorations and Medals

A Boer War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private A. Lewis, East Kent Regiment, for gallantry at Bakenlaagte in October 1901

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (4496 Pte. A. Lewis, E. Kent Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Transvaal (4496 Pte., E. Kent Regt.); King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (4496 Pte., E. Kent Regt.) initial shown as ‘W’ on the last, mounted as worn, nearly very fine (3) £1000-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 31 October 1902. Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ final despatch ‘for good and meritorious service.’

Private A. Lewis won his D.C.M. for his gallant behaviour at Bakenlaagte on 30th October 1901, when the Buffs formed part of Colonel Benson’s Column. The rear-guard, which was the object of the enemy’s main attack, was composed of two companies Mounted Infantry, two squadrons Scottish Horse, two guns 84th Battery, and one company 2nd Buffs, the whole under the command of Major Anley, 3rd Mounted Infantry. The guns, the company of Buffs, and 50 Mounted Infantry were posted on a ridge, some Mounted Infantry and Scottish Horse being out as a screen. The screen was ordered to close in, but at the same time it was compelled by a strong force of the enemy to retire. “The company of the Buffs which formed the original escort, posted well to the front of the guns on the south side of the ridge, was captured by the enemy, as he rode practically into our position almost in touch with our men.” Colonel Benson had ordered up two additional companies of the Buffs to reinforce the ridge, “but these did not succeed in reaching any positions whence their fire could effectively be brought to bear.” Colonel Benson reached the guns, and there he and Colonel Guiness fell. Only one end of the ridge, occupied by some of the Mounted Infantry, remained in our hands when darkness set in. The two guns were captured by the Boers and removed after dusk. The Buffs casualties in this action amounted to 10 killed, and 41 wounded.

Nearly 32 years later, Private Lewis wrote to the editor of the regimental journal: ‘I am taking the pleasure of writing to you to let you know that as I have received The Dragon for this month and was reading down the story of the South African War about the battle of Bakenlaagte when I saw that my name was mentioned in it as having assisted to carry ammunition along the firing line. I am very pleased to say that I am still alive, as it was said that I had nine lives, like a cat, and was recommended for the D.C.M. but did not get it. I am pleased to let you know that I did receive the D.C.M. and also had a watch presented to me by the officers of the regiment. I also received a silver-mounted pipe from Queen Alexandria. So I thought it would be best to let you know, as I thought you would like to. So I must say that I felt quite proud of myself to see my name mentioned in the book. Please give my best respects to all, Sir.

I remain, yours truly, A. G. Lewis (No. 4496) One of the old Buffs and proud of it. Good luck to all of them!’