Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

An unusual Boer War 'friendly fire' incident D.C.M. pair awarded to Private H. Morton, Seaforth Highlanders

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (5601 Pte. H. Morton. Seaforth Hdrs:); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5601 Pte. H. Morton. Sea: Highrs: M.I.) unofficial rivets between state and date clasps, edge bruise to first, good very fine (2) £1600-2000

Provenance: Boer War Sale, Spink, October 1999.

D.C.M. London Gazette 26 July 1901.

H. Morton served with the Seaforth Highlanders in South Africa during the Boer War, and was decorated for his gallantry during a 'friendly fire' incident at Houtbosch Loop in June 1901, and was Mentioned in Despatches by Lord Kitchener thus, ‘Private H. Morton (promoted Corporal); on June 14, a company of mounted infantry with which he was, being shelled by our own guns at 2,000 yards, took cover; Morton stayed in the open trying to signal to the guns, though the shells were all around him.’

The original Recommendation for Morton's D.C.M. made by Major T. Macan, Officer Commanding 18th Mounted Infantry gives the following:
‘I have the honour to bring to your notice the conduct of No. 5601 Pte. H. Morton 1st Battalion Seaforth Highlanders now serving with the 18th Mounted Infantry as a signaller. On the 14th June 1901 the company to which this man belongs was working in the Houtbosch Loop when shell fire was opened upon it by one of the guns belonging to a co-operating column, the company having been mistaken for the enemy; the company managed to get under cover but Private Morton remained in the open at very great personal risk endeavouring to signal to the party who were firing on the company. The distance the gun was firing from was only about 2,000 yards and the range had been correctly estimated as the shells were bursting all round the position. I consider the conduct of Pte. Morton well worthy of recognition.’

Additional remarks supplied by Colonel G.E. Benson state: 'I recommend Private Morton's conduct for consideration. I think that it is probable he may have saved the lives of some of his comrades by this action. The column which opened fire was Colonel Parkes's.'

Brigadier General Spens added: 'Forwarded and recommended that No. 5601 Pte. H. Morton 1/Seaforth Highlanders be awarded a Distinguished Service [as the D.C.M. was sometimes called at the time] Medal for gallant conduct on the 14th June 1901.'