Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Africa General Service 1902-56, 1 clasp, Somaliland 1902-04 (78 Tpr. T. H. Coetzee. Som: Bur: C.) light mount marks to reverse, suspension re-fixed, generally polished, otherwise nearly very fine and scarce £240-300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals for Campaigns in Africa.

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The Somaliland Burgher Contingent was raised in January 1903 by Major P. A. Kenna, V.C., D.S.O., 21st Lancers, from former burghers and other citizens of the republics of Transvaal and Orange Free State. The Contingent served in the Somaliland operations between March and June 1903, are are recognized as being the first South Africans to have served outside South Africa. The strength of the Contingent is given as three British officers, three Boer officers, nine British and 93 Boer other ranks.

Before the Contingent left so, Major W. F. Burnham, D.S.O., commanding, drew up a detailed list of the men he wished to recommend for employment when they returned to civilian life from which the following details are taken:

No. 78 Trooper Coetzee, Tjaard Hendrik. Born Free Stater. Address: Thaba ‘Nchu O.F.S. Had employment on C.S.A.R. Would like to get back to the C.S.A. Railways. Bonham writes ‘Recommended.’ Later correspondence regarding employment of Burgher Contingent in the C.S.A.R. dtaed 10 August 1903 gives further details: T. H. Coetzee, 18 Years. Orphan. Grandfather a builder in Thaba ‘Nchu. Experience: a cleaner on the railways for six months at 4/- a day. Employment preferred: Stoker, running sheds. Character - slow but reliable.

Sold with copied medal roll entry and other research.