Australian Singles

Lot 3471    Session 12 (11.30am Thursday)    Australian Singles

Estimate $7,000
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $7,000

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL - BAR - CAPE COLONY. 94 Pte A.Kruger W.Aus M.I. Impressed. Very fine.

Recommended for VC (citation): LG. On the 9th February 1900 Private Kruger of the 1st West Australian Mounted Infantry was a member of a patrol of 30 men ordered to hold an exposed position on an isolated hill at Slingersfontein. From 6 in the morning until 7 in the evening the patrol defied the Boers who surrounded and vastly out-numbered them. At about 10.00am in the morning Sergeant Hensman moved out to an exposed position on the right flank in an attempt to repel a party of Boers who were closing in on the outpost. He was badly wounded and collapsed with a shattered right thigh. Private Kruger immediately left his trench and, under heavy fire, bound up the Sergeant's wounds and built a stone parapet around him, the Boers then attempted to rush the position but Private Kruger killed four of them with rifle fire. Kruger was wounded in the hand and had his helmet and bandolier holed by enemy fire. When darkness fell the West Australians were able to infiltrate out through the Boer lines. Private Kruger refused medical assistance for himself and insisted on leading the Doctor and stretcher bearers back through the enemy lines to recover Sergeant Hensman. The General Officer commanding congratulated the 30 men on their courage and determination. Their stand against 300 Boers had entirely frustrated the enemy's attempt to turn the flank of the position. The position so magnificently defended was named 'West Australian Hill'. With copy of letter of gratitude from Sarah Hensman (mother of Sergeant Hensman), Sabretache article pertaining to Kruger, photographs (4). copies of contemporary newspapers,