The Q.S.A. awarded to Captain G. L. Paget, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, who died of severe wounds received at Kaapmuiden in October 1900

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (Capt: G. L. Paget. Rifle Bde.) extremely fine £1,200-£1,500

George Leigh Paget, Captain, 1st Battalion, Rifle Brigade, died on 9 October 1900, from the severe wound he received in the engagement at Kaapmuiden. He was the eldest son of Sir George Ernest Paget, of Sutton Bonnington, Loughborough, chairman of the Midland Railway Company. Captain Paget was born in July 1871, educated at Harrow, and entered the Rifle Brigade in November 1891, being promoted Lieutenant in December 1893, and Captain in June 1896. He served with the Natal Field Force from the commencement of the war, and was present at the battle of Colenso and all the subsequent fighting prior to the Relief of Ladysmith, and afterwards took part in the advance into the Transvaal. He was buried at Standerton and a memorial window was dedicated to him within St Michael’s Church at Sutton Bonnington.

A contemporary report published in London on 11 October stated:

‘A train at Kaapmuiden upset at a diversion over the Kaap river. Three artillery men were killed and fifteen injured. Lieutenant Hayke had his leg broken. An engine and trucks conveyed the engineer officers, Captain Paget of the Rifle Brigade, and 18 men of the Vlakfontein garrison to ascertain the nature of the damage along the line. The Boers, who laid in wait fired. Captain Stewart, of the Rifle Brigade, hearing the attack, hastened with 40 men to support Captain Paget. Captain Stewart was killed and Captain Paget dangerously wounded. Six others wounded and eleven captured.’