Orders, Decorations and Medals

A rare Great War M.C., Boer War 'Q' Battery D.C.M. group of nine awarded to Major C. Harris, Royal Artillery

MILITARY CROSS, G.V.R., the reverse named (Capt., R.A.); DISTINGUISHEDCONDUCT MEDAL, V.R. (2481 Serjt., R.H.A.); QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, S.A. 1901 (2481 Sejt., Q.B.R.H.A.); 1914 STAR (Lieut., R.F.A.); BRITISH WAR ANDVICTORY MEDALS, M.I.D. (Major); CORONATION 1911 (Regl. Sgt. Major, R.H.A.); ARMY L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (S.Mjr., R.H.A.); DEFENCE MEDAL, toned, good very fine (9)

M.C., London Gazette, 3 June 1916.

D.C.M., London Gazette, 27 September 1901, details London Gazette 20 August 1901 (Army Order 15/02) 'For conspicuous gallantry and good service during a Boer attack on a convoy near Mooifontein south of Bethel on 25 May 1901.’

‘Q' Battery was ambushed near Sanna's Post and remained in action for 4 hours under a terrific fire from the Boers under De Wet's command. All the N.C.O's were casualties and only six unwounded gunners remained. Eventually four guns were successfully withdrawn, cheered by the infantry they had so gallantly supported. Four Victoria Crosses were awarded to the Battery. On 23 May, 1901, a convoy consisting of 150 wagons containing sick, wounded, prisoners and Boer families, left Bethel for Standerton. It was escorted by 400 of the Somerset L.I., 250 Munster Fusiliers, 60 troopers of the 10th Hussars and 12th Lancers, 40 New Zealanders of the sixth contingent, and two guns of'Q' Battery. Colonel Gallwey of the Somerset L.I. commanded. For two days Boer commandos harassed the convoy until, on the 25th, they attacked in force at Mooifontein, falling on front and rear simultaneously. For nine miles Gallwey sustained a running fight with great coolness and skill, repulsing repeated charges. At one time the Boers used the same tactics as at Vlakfontein, firing the long grass and galloping up under cover of the smoke, only to fall back again under the steady fire of the infantry. Casualties amounted to 43 but the convoy was saved. Harris was again mentioned in despatches, London Gazette, 10 September, 1901. He served in France and Belgium during the Great War from 10 November 1914 until 11 November 1918, again being mentioned in despatches on 14 December, 1917.