Other Properties - Australian Singles

Lot 4931    SESSION 18 (2.30PM FRIDAY 28 JULY)    Other Properties - Australian Singles

Estimate $5,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $3,000

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899, (type 3 reverse), - five clasps - Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen. 465 Pte T.Robertson. N.S.Wales M.R. Impressed. Hairlines, otherwise extremely fine.

Together with commemorative medal, Peace Treaty for the South African War 1899-1902 in bronze (70mm), by E.Fuchs (BHM 3876), obverse, angel tending fallen soldier with flag laying across body, legend, 'To The/Memory Of Those/Who Gave Their Lives For/Queen And Country', reverse, Bellona sheathing her sword and standing on a ridge below which is passing a column of troops and behind is sun inscribed PAX (Peace) rising over a hill. The medal is unnamed and is in case of issue by Elkington & Co Ld.



Trooper Thomas C Robertson, born 1864 in NSW; Enl. for service in South Africa and Emb.17Jan1900 with D Sqn 1st NSW Mounted Rifles Contgt; arrived Cape Town 19Feb1900; operations from Modder River to Bloemfontein 04-14Mar1900 then advanced to Pretoria; from May1900 with De Lisle's Column and engagements at Brandfort, Vet River, Zand River, Kroonstad, Lindley, Johannesburg, Pretoria, Diamond Hill, Heidelberg, Wittebergen, Palmietfontein, Vredefort, Venterskroom, Alexanderfontein, Boschfontein, Schoeman's Drift, Rensburg Drift and Bothaville; KIA 21Nov1900 at Rhenoster Kop, near Kroonstad, Orange River Colony.



In communications to his sister, Mrs C.W.Pleydell Bouverie in Winchester, England, after his death, Colonel Knight, commanding New South Wales Mounted Infantry wrote, 'I was not there when it happened. I was deeply grieved when I heard the news. Robertson was one of my best men, an awfully good fellow, and as brave as a lion.' Another communication stated, 'the deceased was on patrol duty under Lieutenant Antill and 14 men, and was the only man hit besides four horses; they were retiring, and he was struck by a chance shot, as there were several men between him and the Boers. The bullet caught him in the back, coming out at the chest, and he only lived one hour, dying quietly with a smile on his face. He was brought out of action, Captain Watson carrying him across his saddle. The colonel (Knight) was much concerned about it. Deceased was universally beloved by all his comrades, and considered to be one of the best scouts in the regiment.'



In a letter to Major Bouverie, General E.T.H.Hutton, commanding Colonial Mounted Brigade, wrote, 'I had learned of Mrs Bouverie's brother's death while serving with the New South Wales Mounted Rifles. The regiment was, as perhaps you know, a portion of my command, but during the later phases of the campaign became detached from me. The regiment (of which I am hon. colonel) did magnificent service and I several times had young Robertson mentioned to me as a good and gallant soldier. Pray offer my deep sympathies to your wife and her sister.'



A news report in the Riverina Grazier on 21 December 1900 stated, 'The death of the late Trooper Thomas C.Robertson has occasioned widespread regret throughout the district, and Mr Leslie Robertson has received many telegrams and letters of sympathy and condolence. Amongst others who telegraphed was Mr. McBratney of Toganmain who wired, "All Toganmain friends were sorry to hear of Tommy's death. Kindly accept sincere sympathy." The Mayor sent Mr Robertson an official letter of condolence. The late soldier, it will be remembered was mentioned in the despatches from Pretoria, of August 25th last, for conspicuous good work and bravery on scouting, patrolling, and other dangerous duties, from 12th April to 16th June.'



On Sunday 30 June 1901 a church parade was held at All Saints, Woollahra when a memoriam tablet was unveiled in honour of the late Thomas C.Robertson of Hay, NSW, son of the late Mr Thomas Robertson, solicitor, and cousin of Mr Leslie S.C.Robertson. The members of the military fell in at Victoria Barracks and were preceded by the R.A.Artillery Band under Band-Sergeant McCarthy. On arrival at the church they were received by Captain Sandford of the R.A.Artillery, representing the headquarters' staff, and consisted of a number of 7th Regiment under Captain F.W.C.Crane, who was accompanied by Lieutenant Hughes of the 6th National Guards, Australian Rifles, St George's Rifles, Artillery, 1st Regiment, Scottish Rifles and some members of the returned contingents. Reverend H.Wallace Mort, M.A., senior military chaplain, conducted the service and delivered an address in which he referred to the straight-forward and honourable characteristics of the deceased's life. The brass tablet which was unveiled by Captain W.W.Russell Watson bears the inscription, 'In memory of Thomas C.Robertson of the New South Mounted Infantry, who was killed in action on 21st November, 1900, near Kroonstad, South Africa; aged 30 years. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.' The service concluded with the congregation singing the National Anthem.



Trooper Robertson is also commemorated on the South African War Memorial in the Hay Park which commemorates the Hay District volunteers who lost their lives in the South African War. The memorial, unveiled on 6 May 1903, in the form of a monumental drinking fountain is constructed of granite and placed on a blue-stone base.



With research.