Description
Queens South Africa, Cape Garrison Artillery (Attached to Kitchener’s Horse) Wounded De Kiel’s Drift
Queens South Africa, clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Orange Free State, Transvaal, Cape Colony, 432 Gnr W. Hampshire, Cape. G.A. (Note tope clasp is loose on the ribbon)
Clasps confirmed on rolls for Kitcheners Horse and Cape Garrison Artillery, rolls cross reference each other and the Kitchener’s Horse roll has his service no as 3529.
Rolls confirm his change of service number when he transferred units on the 14th June 1900.
The casualty roll for Kitcheners Horse has a 3549 Trooper W. Hampshire as wounded at De Kiel’s Drift on the 13th February 1900. We believe that it is the same man as there is no other Trooper W. Hampshire on the medal rolls for Kitcheners Horse, and that the difference in service number is an error in transcription on the printed casualty roll.
Condition – GVF, contact marked.
Raised as a colonial mounted regiment in South Africa, Kitchener’s Horse played an active role throughout the Second Boer War, serving from early movement operations to grueling counter-guerrilla warfare.
Key Engagement: De Kiel’s Drift (13 February 1900)
On 13 February 1900, during General Lord Roberts’ flank march to relieve Kimberley, a small detachment of Kitchener’s Horse was assigned to hold De Kiel’s Drift across the Riet River to cover the vital passage of the British transport wagons. Positioned at the crossing, they faced a sudden attack by General Christiaan de Wet’s Boer commando. Outnumbered and exposed, the detachment mounted a stubborn defence to safeguard the supply column. In the ensuing heavy firefight, several troopers were captured or killed before reinforcements secured the position. Despite the severe pressure, their stand at the river crossing helped prevent the Boers from completely crippling the advancing column’s logistical tail.
Subsequent Operations (14 June 1900 Onward)
From 14 June 1900 onward, following the fall of Pretoria, Kitchener’s Horse was heavily committed to sweeping mobile operations across the Transvaal and the Orange River Colony. They joined relentless pursuits of elusive enemy forces, particularly during extensive drives directed against De Wet. On 8 and 9 July 1900, the regiment engaged in sharp skirmishing, sustaining notable casualties. Later that month, elements under Major G.A. Cookson intercepted and captured enemy supply and flour trains near Vredefort, striking a direct blow to Boer logistics.
Throughout late 1900 and 1901, the unit endured exhaustive forced marches, night patrols, and scouting duties across harsh terrain. Their efforts secured communication lines and tracked insurgent bands. Individual troopers and officers earned mentions in despatches for exceptional bravery, leadership under fire, and carrying critical intelligence through hostile lines, maintaining these demanding operations until the war’s conclusion.
