Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (4161 Corpl: A. W. Simmons. 2nd. Drgn: Gds:) nearly extremely fine £180-220

Albert William Simmons was born at Lewes, Sussex, in 1872, and attested for 10th Hussars on 20 June 1891, having previously served with the 1st Cinque Ports Rifle Volunteers. He transferred to the 2nd Dragoon Guards on 4 January 1893, and served with the Regiment in India, before going to the Army Reserve on 20 June 1898. Recalled to the Colours on 28 December 1899, following the outbreak of the Boer War, he served with the 2nd Dragoon Guards (Queen’s Bays) in South Africa during the Boer War from 15 November 1901 until 2 July 1902, and was severely wounded at Leeuwkop on 1 April 1902. For his gallantry in the field at Leeuwkop he was promoted Corporal, per Army Order dated 21 April 1902, and was awarded a gratuity. A hand-written note with the lots states: ‘Mentioned in Despatches and promoted from Private to Corporal because although he was shot through both legs he brought in a prisoner.’ Returning home, he re-transferred to the Army Reserve on 28 April 1903, an was discharged on 19 June of that year, after 12 years’ service.

‘In his despatch of 8th April 1902, Lord Kitchener says that Colonel Lawley sent out Colonel Fanshawe with three squadrons of the Queen’s Bays and 30 National Scouts to make a detour preparatory to co-operating with his won advance. At 3:15 a.m. Fanshawe rounded a farm, where several Boers were captured; he then went on and tried to surround a laager, but the enemy were on the alert and he “was received by a very heavy fire, and realising that he was in the presence of superior numbers, ordered a gradual retirement upon Leeuwkop. Close fighting then went on for several hours. The Bays, who were skilfully handled, retired steadily by alternate squadrons, whilst the Boers followed, pressing the withdrawal with the greatest determination and persistence.” Leeuwkop was found to be in the enemy’s hands, and Fanshawe had to make for another ridge, “where he received the timely support of the 7th Hussars and Colonel Lawley’s guns.” The Boers then fell quickly back. “In this affair, although the Bays were capably handled and displayed steadiness and gallantry in face of superior numbers, their losses were, I regret to say, heavy. Two squadron-leaders and 10 non-commissioned officers and men were killed, and 5 officers and 59 men were wounded.’ (British Regiments in South Africa 1899-1902 refers).