Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Driver H. Stockdale, Royal Field Artillery, who was present with 66th Battery in the ‘V.C. action’ at Colenso

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Orange Free State (30907 Dr. H. Stockdale, 66th Bty. R.F.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1902, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (30907 Dvr. H. Stockdale, R.F.A.), edge bruising, contact marks and polished, thus fine (2) £200-250

The 14th and 66th Batteries R.F.A. were galloped too close to the Boers in advance of the infantry by Colonel Long. In the face of withering fire from the Boers across the river, the officers and men of the batteries fought their guns to the last. The 14th Battery suffered seven other ranks killed and one officer and 13 other ranks wounded. With the guns of the two batteries abandoned on the veldt, General Buller asked for volunteers to save the guns. In the ensuing action, six Victoria Crosses were won.