Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare and well-documented ‘War of the Axe’ South Africa Medal 1834-53 awarded to Major General E. J. Dickson, 91st Highlanders, who had his horse shot from under him and was Mentioned in Despatches for his gallantry whilst commanding the small advanced party at the attack and loss of a 46-wagon convoy at Trompeter's Drift on 21 May 1846 - his detailed (and unpublished) journal, included with the lot, is an important first-hand account of the service of an officer in South Africa during the period

South Africa 1835-53 (Lieut E. J. Dickson, 91st Regt) with top silver Hunt and Roskell riband buckle with gold pin, edge nicks, good very fine £2,600-£3,000

Edward John Dickson was born on Jersey on 16 May 1821 and was commissioned Ensign in the 75th Foot in 1839. He served in the Cape of Good Hope from 26 July 1840, until mid-1848, initially with the 75th Foot, before transferring to the 91st Foot. During his service in the ‘War of the Axe’, 1846-7, he was Mentioned in Despatches and was highly commended for his gallantry at the attack and loss of the convoy at Trompeter's Drift on 21 May 1846. Here he commanded the advanced party, having his horse shot from under him and subsequently commanding a defence until ammunition was expended.

The Action at Trompeter’s Drift
Historical Records of the 91st Argyllshire Highlanders gives the following account: ‘Lieut. Dickson of the reserve battalion of the 91st, while commanding at Trompeter's Drift, frequently obtained the approbation of Sir Peregrine Maitland and Lt.-Col. Johnston for his great zeal and activity; and on the 21st of May, when a convoy of waggons, proceeding from Grahamstown and Fort Peddie, was attacked and captured by the enemy on Trompeter's Hill, the gallant conduct of Lt. Dickson, who had voluntarily joined the escort, was highly commended by his Excellency the commander-in-chief, in general orders. In reference to this incident, Mrs Ward writes as follows:
“On this occasion Lieut. Dickson, 91st Regiment, who had been ordered to assist in escorting the waggons a certain distance, till the other escort was met, nobly volunteered to proceed further, and led the advance; nor did he retire till his ammunition was expended. On reaching the rear, he found the commanding officer of the party retreating, by the advice of some civilians, who considered the defile impassable for so many waggons, under such a fire. Lieut. Dickson's coolness, courage, and energy, in not only leading the men, but literally ‘putting his shoulder to the wheel’ of a waggon, to clear the line, were spoken of by all as worthy of the highest praise. His horse, and that of Ensign Aitchison, were shot under their riders”.’

A much larger article on the disaster was published in the Cape Town Mail on 23 May 1846, of which the following is an extract: ‘The advanced guard had reached the summit of the first ridge and were just about to descend the opposite side when the Caffres, who had posted themselves in the thick bush and rocks by the road side, opened a heavy fire upon the party, killing lieutenant Dickson’s horse under him, a horse belonging to Lieutenant Aitchison and also a Fingoe. The moment the first volley was fired, the burghers under Lieutenant Dickson, plunged into the bush and gained this position. Mr Lucas, at the same moment fell back to the front wagon and was quickly joined by Lieutenant Dickson. They endeavoured to push their way through the bush with the wagon but on reaching the spot where the first volley had been poured upon them, they were met again with a most destructive fire by which seven of the oxen were shot dead, which as they fell, were cut away from the yokes in hopes with the rest might struggle through the pass. At this time there were only five oxen left and it was impossible that these unaided should draw the wagon forward, the Caffres still pouring fire upon them. Lieutenant Dickson and Mr Lucas put their shoulders to the wheel and by this means, and some of the men of the 91st goading the oxen with the points of their bayonets, the vehicle was at length got down the hill to the open space before described. Here the party with Lieutenant Dickson’s burghers, took up a good position. It was however found that though they had worked their way out of this perilous situation, yet the second wagon had to pass through the same ordeal. The Caffres on its approach opened their fire upon it, which was steadily and vigorously returned by the men of the 91st. This firing lasted about ten minutes, when upon it suddenly ceasing, a large body of Caffres was seen moving down the main road, apparently with the intention of cutting off communication between the party and the rest of the wagons. Lieutenant Dickson then deemed it advisable to fall back upon the second wagon, on reaching which it was found to be partially deserted, retreat having been made to the wagons in the rear. The Caffres again opened up a most destructive fire upon this gallant little party and by which two civilians were killed and several horses. Those who were spared struggled down the long train of wagons to the rear, where they at length found Captain Campbell, who immediately gave the order to retreat. The casualties in this disastrous affair are, as far as we have been able to collect them; four men killed; one of Mr Lucas’s severely wounded and also a man from the 7th Dragoon Guards. From sixteen to eighteen horses are reported to be killed, together with forty-one wagons, with all their oxen and stores.’

Lieutenant Dickson also gives a three page account of the episode in his journal.

During the action, Captain Campbell, who commanded the company of the 91st that was escorting the convoy, inexplicably failed to support Lieutenant Dickson and his small band of men who were the advance guard of the convoy. He was afterward Court Martialed and subsequently cashiered from the service.

Before leaving South Africa in June 1848, Dickson also served for a period in Charge of the Fingoe Levies at Fort Hare. Post South Africa, Dickson's military career included an expensive purchase as Captain in the Ceylon Rifle Regiment on 13 April 1849. Rising through the ranks, he retired as a Major-General on 20 March 1878.

Sold with the following related archive:
i) An important and very rare leather bound journal/diary, as carried by Dickson during the War of the Axe, the content of which has never been published. The diary covers the period 1846-48, this relating to his day-to-day services on the frontier in South Africa, covering the service of the 91st during the War of the Axe. It includes mentions of many British Officers as well as NCO's and Other Ranks of the 91st. Estimated in excess of 150 entry pages of text, the entry pages all in small legible long hand, also a few pages with tables and abstract lists. The contents of the journal has remained unpublished.
ii) Five original Commissions/Warrants documents for the ranks of Lieutenant, 91st Foot, 11 August 1843; Captain, Ceylon Rifle Regiment, 13 April 1849; Staff Captain to Command detachments of Pensioners in the Isle of Man, 1 September 1854; Lieutenant-Colonel, 25 October 1871; and Colonel, Land Forces, 1 October 1877.
iii) 22 hand-written letters variously dated 1845-60, these relating to appointments, and testimonials from senior Officers who had served in South Africa, some written in South Africa, others in the UK. Includes May 1846 copy of General Orders in which Lieutenant Dickson is mentioned for his gallantry, as well as those to/from Horse Guards concerning his request for suitable appointments, and medical board reports.
iv) A photocopy of a portrait of the recipient wearing his South Africa medal; and copied research.