Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Great War German West Africa ‘Battle of Mahiwa’ D.C.M. group of four awarded to Sergeant J. H. Botha, South African Infantry Brigade, attached 1st Nigeria Regiment, West Africa Frontier Force

Distinguished Conduct Medal, G.V.R. (16047 Sjt: J. H. Botha. 2/S.A. Inf: Bde:); 1914-15 Star (Pte. J. H. Botha Cradock Cdo.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sjt. J. H. Botha. 2nd S.A.I. Bgde.) good very fine (4) £800-£1,200

D.C.M. London Gazette 28 March 1918:
‘For conspicuous gallantry and devotion to duty. Remaining in action throughout the day, he used his machine gun with great effect and set a splendid example of courage and determination to his men. It was owing to his skill and initiative that his section was extricated from a difficult and dangerous situation.’

Johannes Hermanus Botha served in the Great War in the Cradock Commando from 19 October 1914 to 17 May 1915, taking part in the invasion of German South West Africa; re-enlisting at Robert’s Heights on 20 March 1916 in the 7th South African Horse, he was transferred to 2nd South African Infantry and was attached to the 1st Nigerian Regiment, West Africa Frontier Force on 17 July 1917. Promoted Sergeant on 18 July 1917, he departed Durban for East Africa on 9 September 1917 aboard H.M. Transport Princess, and took part in the campaign in southern German East Africa as a machine gunner, being present in the actions during the raid by German forces commanded by Neumann in September and October 1917, in particular the Battle of Mahiwa on 16 October 1917.

The 1st Nigeria Regiment, together with the Gambia Company and a section of the Nigerian battery, under the command of Major Roberts, were amongst the first engaged in the battle at Mahiwa, suffering heavy casualties. Advancing from the Namupa Mission towards Nyango on 15 October the command came under fire and fell back to form a secure perimeter. The following day the column returned to Namupa Mission before advancing again to support Colonel Mann’s column at Mahiwa, which was to all intents and purposes besieged. On nearing the position held by Colonel Mann the column was attacked and suffered heavy casualties, being forced to withdraw. By 3pm on 16 October all the companies except the rearguard were in line and heavily engaged. Both guns of the Nigerian Battery action were put out of action by small arms fire, the entire team of one gun being either killed or wounded. The line was gradually forced back and Major Roberts ordered a general retirement to the Namupa Mission, which was reached without harassment about 7pm, the German forces apparently having had enough of the fight themselves and not following up the column.

For his actions in German East Africa on 16 October 1917 at the Battle of Mahiwa, Botha was awarded the Distinguished Conduct Medal (General Routine Orders 1269 of 24 December 1917 refers). He departed German East Africa for the final time from Dar es Salaam on 4 March 1918 aboard H.M. Transport Osterley, arriving at Durban on 9 March 1918. He was discharged from service on 21 May 1918 at Durban, being described as ‘permanently unfit for tropical service’, his military character being described as ‘very good’.

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