Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A rare Boer War R.R.C. group of three awarded to Matron Miss Ada M. M. W. Whiteman

Royal Red Cross, 1st Class, V.R., silver-gilt and enamel, mounted on bow; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, no clasp (Nursing Sister A. M. Whiteman.) officially re-impressed naming; Jubilee 1935, unnamed as issued, very fine (3) £1,400-£1,800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Boer War Medals to Medical Services, the Church and the Press.

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R.R.C. awarded 26 June 1902: ‘In recognition of services in South Africa.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 17 June 1902: ‘Miss Ada Whiteman, Matron, College Hospital, Maritzburg, and Leper Hospital near Pretoria.’

Ada Maria Motum Wynn Whiteman, daughter of Francis William John Wyn Whiteman and Ada Maria Motum Hill. She was born at Bath, England, and educated in England. She was the matron of the Pretoria Leper Institution, retiring after 29 years’ service, providing useful work for the Leper Institution. In January 1896 she came from England to assume duties at the General Hospital, Johannesburg, but left there to take over as matron of the Van Ryn Mine Hospital until the outbreak of the Boer War. During the Boer War she was superintendent sister at Fort Napier Military Hospital, and then occupied a similar position at College Hospital, Maritzburg, until it closed. Whiteman was later called by Lord Roberts to come and work at the Leper Asylum in Pretoria.
At the 2nd meeting of the Guild of Loyal Women of South Africa (Pretoria, August, 1901), she joined as a member, and later became a foundation member of the Pretoria Women’s Club and Pretoria Country Club. Member of the I.N.A. in England; her name is mentioned in the list published by Burdett. A keen social worker, Whiteman also belonged to the Civic Society, Pretoria; St Dunstan’s and Civilian Blind Societies; Home for Friendless Women; and a number of others. She is a holder of the South African War Medal and the Royal Red Cross for work during the Boer War. In 1926 she was made an honorary serving sister of the venerable order of St John of Jerusalem, and became a recipient of the King’s Medal.
Whiteman was honoured by the friendship of the Royal Family, and her favourite recreations included: literature, music and singing, and in her youth was a keen sportswoman. She died in 1938.

Sold with copied research, including medal rolls for Q.S.A. and Kings Jubilee medal.