The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Three: Gunner F. J. Clatworthy, 3rd Middlesex Artillery Volunteers and City of London Imperial Volunteers, later Sergeant, 5th London Brigade, Royal Field Artillery

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, Wittebergen (1590 Gnr: F. J. Clatworthy, C.I.V.); Territorial Force Efficiency Medal, E.VII.R. (17 Sjt: F. J. Clatworthy. 5/Lon: B. R.F.A.); Territorial Efficiency Medal, G.V.R., (17 Sjt. F. J. Clatworthy. R.F.A.) minor edge bruising, good very fine or better (3) £240-£280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Frederick James Clatworthy was born in Islington, London in 1873. An opthalmological instrument maker by occupation, he joined the 3rd Middlesex Artillery Volunteers and served with the A Sub-division of the City Imperial Volunteers Battery during the Boer War. He was present at the fierce action at Barking Kop on 3 July 1900 and his letter written shortly afterwards, describing the action, was published in the City Press on 25 August 1900:
‘Gunner Clatworthy, of the H.A.C. [sic], writing from Winburg on July 22, gives a somewhat similar account of the engagement on “Black Tuesday,” July 3: “We advanced and took up positions against the guns, which were in two positions. Although under a cross-fire we silenced them for a time, the guns of the 38th battery shelling the right position, whilst we shelled the left. We then limbered up, and retired to take up a better position on Barking Kop, and were shelled all the way, the 38th battery remaining remaining in position. We halted under cover, and man handled the guns into position, which was a good one under the circumstances. Although unseen by the enemy, they knew we were there, and we were almost annihilated many times. One shell struck the ground just by the gun, and almost blinded us with dirt. Fortunately, it did not explode. A shrapnel burst just over our heads, and seemed to be filled with clay, as a piece hit me on the ear, and made it sting. Although we kept firing, we could not silence the guns, and, as we were getting short of ammunition, we ceased firing for a time. The rain was pouring down, and under cover of the haze an advance was made across the valley, and an attempt was made to rush our position. The mounted infantry who, of course, had left their horses in the rear, got up and ran towards us. We thought it was all up, but the Captain rode up and drove them back into position. The Boers were firing explosive bullets, which are more terrifying than any other projectile. We fired at 1500 yards, just to encourage the infantry, although our position seemed hopeless. The 38th Battery were attacked, and had all the officers shot. They had 18 casualties altogether, and the Boers actually had the gun in their hands when the Australian Bushmen poured a volley into them. They succeeded in removing the handspike and tangent sight. Our captain, who is on the artillery staff, rode up and called for volunteers to bring the guns out of action. Drivers Vine and Morden went in, and brought them out safely. Immediately after this the Boers abandoned their position, and we came into action on the left flank. As they tried to flank us we advanced and took their position, from which we shelled them as they retreated. Afterwards we bivouacked in a splendid position... They say in London that the war is over but I reckon it has only just started. Nobody could have had harder fighting than we have had, and we cannot form any idea when we shall be back, as De Wet is very slippery”.’

After Clatworthy’s return to England with the C.I.V in December 1900, he was presented with a special prize by his Volunteer Brigade, no small accolade considering that the 3rd Middlesex Artillery Volunteers sent a total of 1,120 Officers and Men to serve in South Africa:
‘The Duke of Cambridge presented the prizes to the 3rd Middlesex Volunteer Artillery at St. James’s Hall last evening. Major A. R. Farrer, in command, spoke of the work of the regiment during the year, and said they had 78 officers and men away at the front. They all mourned the loss of Colonel Hoskier, who was killed in action on February 23, and three gunners who had died in South Africa. The Duke of Cambridge then presented the prizes. The loudest round of applause bestowed on each prize winner was that reserved for Gunner Clatworthy, C.I.V., who was presented with a special prize by the officer commanding his section in the C.I.V. Battery.’ (Globe, 22 December 1900 refers).

Clatworthy was awarded the Territorial Force Efficiency Medal per Army Order 7 of 1 January 1909, and died in Croydon, Surrey in 1940.