Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Boer War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Private J. T. Benson, East Yorkshire Regiment, wounded at David’s Farm, Bothaville, 5/6 November 1900

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (3457 Pte. J. T. Benson. E. York: Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (3457 Pte. J. Benson, 2nd E. Yorkshire Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (3457 Pte J. Benson. E. York: Regt) good very fine (3) £1600-2000

D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901.

John Thomas Benson was born in Gateshead, County Durham, and attested for the East Yorkshire Regiment at Beverly, Yorkshire, in October 1891. He served with the 2nd Battalion, and was attached 5th Battalion Mounted Infantry in South Africa, 14 March 1900 - 26 August 1902. Benson served with particular distinction at David’s Farm, 5/6 November 1900, ‘on the 5th November they [5th Battalion Mounted Infantry], with the 7th and 8th Mounted Infantry, occupied Bothaville, but were heavily shelled by the Boers from a ridge the other side of the river, and compelled to withdraw after dark. Private Holland was wounded, and several of the horses killed.

At midnight the Mounted Infantry crossed the river and marched at 4am. An hour later the Boer laager was surprised at David’s Farm. Steyn and De Wet got away in a Cape cart. Several hours hard fighting followed. 8 guns and 100 prisoners were taken, besides a loss to the enemy of 20 killed and 30 wounded. Lance-Corporal Key and Private Benson distinguished themselves in this fight. Private Evans and Benson were killed [sic], and Private Peebles dangerously wounded. Among others, some of ‘D’ Company, under Captain Forte [his report gives Benson as killed], galloped round to the rear of the Boers to cut off their retreat.

When Colonel Lean, commanding the 5th Mounted Infantry, gave orders to fix bayonets and charge, the Boers put up their hands and gave in...’ (Regimental History refers)

Benson was in fact wounded during the action (the casualty roll erroneously gives his initial as ‘S’). He transferred to the Reserve in November 1903, and was discharged 8 November 1907, having served 16 years with the Colours.