Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

A Boer War D.C.M. group of three awarded to Corporal G. Handley, South Lancashire Regiment, wounded at Pieter’s Hill, 27 February 1900

Distinguished Conduct Medal, V.R. (5112 Drmr: G. Handley. S. Lancs: Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (5112 Drmr: G. Handley. S. Lanc: Regt.) number officially corrected; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 1 clasp, South Africa 1902 (5112 Cpl. G. Handley. S. Lanc: Regt.) minor edge bruising overall, nearly very fine (3) £1600-2000

Provenance: Sotheby’s, October 1983 (D.C.M. only) and DNW, September 1998 (Q.S.A. & K.S.A.)

D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901.

G. Handley served with the 1st Battalion, South Lancashire Regiment during the Second Boer War. He was wounded at Pieter’s Hill, 27 February 1900, when the Battalion took part in a crucial and spirited bayonet charge on the central position at Railway Hill. Inspired by the words of their commanding officer, ‘Remember, men, the eyes of Lancashire are watching you today’, they captured the position.

The Battalion suffered the loss of their commanding officer, as well as five other men killed, at the point of victory. Handley was mentioned in despatches by Lord Roberts, 4 September 1901. The K.S.A. medal roll lists recipient as ‘Deceased.’

K.S.A. single clasp confirmed, and scarce to Regiment.