A Fine Collection of Queen's South Africa Medals to Scout Units

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (2177 V. Cornet J. D. Du Toit. National Scouts) good very fine £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Queen's South Africa Medals to Scout Units.

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Collection

The National Scouts were mainly recruited from Boers who had surrendered to the British or chosen to fight for the imperial forces. Of the 1,750 turncoat Boers who served on the British side in the National Scouts, only about 10% claimed their medals and amongst those that survive many are defaced (eg unit erased). As 'Handsuppers' and 'Joiners' they were despised and ostracised by the 'Bitterinders' and their womenfolk. So much animosity abounded that a separate Afrikaan church, the 'Kruiskerk' was established shortly after the war to accommodate them.