Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Ladysmith (21348 Gnr. H. Hindes, 66th Bty. R.F.A.), nearly extremely fine £400-500

Henry Hindes was was killed in action at Colenso on 15 December 1899, on which occasion 14th and 66th Batteries were galloped too close to the Boers and in advance of the infantry by Colonel Long, the ‘damned gunner’ that Buller subsequently blamed for his defeat. In the face of withering fire from the Boers across the river, officers and men fought their guns to the last, numerous acts of gallantry being enacted until most had been killed or wounded - and their seven guns stood abandoned on the veldt. Buller asked for volunteers to save the guns and in the ensuing acts of heroism, six Victoria Crosses were won, including that by Lieutenant F. H. S. Roberts, the son of the Field-Marshal.

Born at Upper Wallop, near Andover, Wiltshire, Hindes had enlisted in the Royal Artillery in July 1897, aged 21 years; sold with copied service papers and medal roll extract.