The Upfill-Brown Collection

The important Australian Boer War pair to Major John McLeod-Cameron, who raised and commanded Cameron's Victorian Scouts

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Captain, Victorian Scts.); KING'S SOUTH AFRICA, 2 clasps (Major, C.C. Forces), mounted court style for display, good very fine and better (2)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The AA Upfill-Brown Collection.

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Major John MeLeod-Cameron is confirmed on the medal rolls for both medals, serving with Cameron's Victorian Scouts from 4 April, 1900, to 23 June, 1901, and Cape Colonial Forces from 1 December, 1901, to 31 May, 1902. He was promoted Captain, 22 June, 1900, and became Major in the Cape Colony Colonial Forces, as Commandant at Aberdeen and Carnarvon. He served until the termination of the war.

Cameron's Victorian Scouts

Cameron's Scouts were part of the Victorian Third (Bushmen's) Contingent. It was a group of 24 men raised by one, Lieut. John McLeod Cameron, for special service. He provided them with mounts except where they had their own. They were part of the main contingent and were armed and equipped as the rest of the Third Bushmen. The establishment was one Lieutenant, one Sergeant, two Corporals, twenty one Privates with 33 horses. The Third Bushmen arrived at Beira on 3 April 1900 and proceeded to Rhodesia. They were attached to the Rhodesian Field Force. Cameron's Scouts remained at Marandellas whilst the rest of the force proceeded to Bulawayo, Mafeking and Rustenburg. At a later date Cameron Scouts proceeded by train from Bulawayo to Mafeking, rejoining the main R.F.F. Whilst at Marandellas they became bodyguard to General Sir Frederick Carrington. When the R.F.F. left Mafeking they went on the march to Ottoshoop and Zeerust. At Brakfontein (near Eland's River) they fought an eight-hour engagement against a De La Rey Commando. A couple of rear guard actions were undertaken over the next few days on the way back through Marico River to Zeerust. At that point of time, a Commando under General Lemmer engaged them. They then returned to Ottoshoop. During the next couple of weeks, they were engaged on several small sniping engagements. General Carrington ordered their return to Rhodesia and Cameron's Scouts were effectively disbanded. Capt. Cameron ensured that all those who wished to return home to Victoria were so assisted.