Orders, Decorations and Medals

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (2105 Pte. C. Fallon, W. Yorkshire Regt.) extremely fine £200-250

Private C. Fallon was killed in action, Natal, 27 February 1900. In the great combat between 13th and 27th February the West Yorks were constantly in the thickest. The battalion’s magnificent attack on Railway Hill on the afternoon of the 27th greatly assisted to set the long doubtful issue at rest. That day the battalion was temporarily attached to the Lancashire Brigade, the brigadier being their own former colonel, F. W. Kitchener. The capture of Railway Hill will always be one of the proudest of the regiment’s feats; and it must be remembered that the task was designed for two battalions, that by an accident it was left to this battalion alone, and they did it. Captain Conwyn Mansell-Jones got the Victoria Cross for ‘his self-sacrificing devotion to duty at a critical moment’ in the action. Seven officers and nine N.C.O’s and men were mentioned for exceptional gallantry, four of the latter being recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal. The losses of the battalion on the fourteen days’ fighting were approximately 1 officer and 6 men killed, 6 officers and 85 men wounded.