Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Natal (678 Tpr. W. Cleaver, Natal Carbnrs.) extremely fine £200-£240

Provenance: Dix Noonan Webb, March 2010.

William Cleaver, a native of Pietermaritzburg, Natal, was mobilised for service with the Natal Carabineers on 29 September 1899. He was wounded in action at Reitfontein on 24 October 1899, suffering gunshot wounds to his body. He died of his wounds on 28 October, and is buried in Ladysmith.

An extract from the Natal Mercury of 26 October 1899 reads: ‘Lieut. Crompton deserves to be recorded. A Carbineer named Cleaver fell while the men were clearing from an exposed position. He was shot through the body. Crompton ran back to him despite the galling fire, and said, “I will carry you under cover.” Cleaver replied, “No, let me rest”, and as he was in great pain, Crompton, after another appeal to be allowed to take him to the ambulance, left him. He was taken up shortly by the ambulance.’

Research also suggests that Regimental Sergeant-Major Bernard Malim Bowen, Natal Carbineers, took a hand in carrying the stricken Cleaver to safety.