Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A fine ‘V.C. Action’ Queen’s South Africa Medal awarded to Private G. Pirie, Highland Light Infantry, who was wounded in action at Magerfontein on 11 December 1899

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Modder River (3581 Pte. G. Pirrie, 1: High: Lt. Inft.) traces of having sometime been held in a circular mount; attempt to scratch out second ‘r’ of surname, edge nicks, nearly very fine £160-£200

G. Pirie served during the Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry, and was wounded in action at Magerfontein on 11 December 1899 when the 3rd (Highland) Infantry Brigade were decimated. Pinned down without cover under a hail of mauser bullets and enemy artillery fire, the British suffered 205 killed and 690 wounded, the carnage only ending upon a truce suggested by General Cronje to allow the casualties to be removed from the battlefield. The action resulted in Corporal John F. D. Shaul of the Highland Light Infantry being awarded the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry as a stretcher bearer.