A Boer War D.C.M. awarded to Corporal W. Frances, Imperial Light Horse, who was killed in action at Maritzani on 13 May 1900 during the relief of Mafeking operations

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (Tpr. W. Frances, Imp. Lt. Horse), re-pinned suspension, edge bruising, contact marks and polished, fair to fine £600-800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of British Orders, Decorations and Medals formed by the late Fred Rockwood.

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D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901; submitted to the King on 3 August 1901

In common with his brother, Walter Frances (or Francis) is described as being a noted lion hunter in The History of the Imperial Light Horse, the pair of them being ‘particularly at home’ in fighting rifle duels with the enemy. Walter, who was mentioned in Buller’s despatch dated 30 March 1900, was killed in action a few weeks later at Maritzani, when the Potchefstroom Commando attacked a British column in force. The regimental history takes up the story:

‘B, E and F Squadrons, protecting the right flank, were more sharply engaged. The bush afforded the enemy excellent cover. Firing took place at close range, and assumed the nature of a large number of personal duels. The I.L.H., skilled at this type of fighting, though outnumbered, never yielded an inch. The fight lasted about three-quarters of an hour, and when the very efficient gunners were able to find the enemy with their shrapnel, the Burghers gave up the struggle and withdrew. The I.L.H. lost six troopers killed [Frances among them], and one Non-Commissioned Officer died of wounds; one officer, Major Charles Mullins, V.C., severely wounded, and thirteen Non-Commissioned Officers and men wounded, and two missing. It was not until dark that the firing completely ceased. The convoy, which had been parked, and the column at once renewed the march.’

An obelisk dedicated to the memory of the I.L.H’s fallen was erected at nearby Neverset Farm.

Frances, who had been advanced to Corporal by the time of his death, was entitled to the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for ‘Relief of Mafeking’, ‘Transvaal’, ‘Tugela Heights’, and ‘Relief of Ladysmith’, and was also mentioned in Roberts’ despatch dated 2 April 1901; sold with brief research.