| Scott | Robert George | | Lieutenant Colonel | SCOTT, ROBERT GEORGE, Major, served in the South African War of 1877-79; in the Gaika and Gaeleka Campaigns, and was present at the attack on Moirosi's Mountain, when he was severely wounded. He received the Medal and clasp, and was awarded the Victoria Cross. In the South African War of 1899-1902, he served in the operations in Cape Colony, the Transvaal and the Orange Free State; received the Queen's Medal with three clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 27 September 1901]: "R G Scott, VC, Major, Kimberley Light Horse. In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa". His death was reported in 'The Cape Times' of 4 October 1918: DEATH OF COLONEL SCOTT, VC, DSO. The death occurred at Mount Curtis, Wynberg, yesterday, of Colonel Robert George Scott, VC, DSO, at the age of 60. Deceased served during the Gaeleka, Gaika and Moirosi Campaigns, 1877-78-79 (VC), and between 1899 and 1901 he was Lieutenant Colonel of the Kimberley Light Horse, and had command of Scott's Railway Guards (which he raised) and the Cape Railway Sharpshooters. He was present during the siege of Kimberley, was mentioned in Despatches, and awarded the DSO in 1900. The funeral will take place at Plumstead Cemetery at 4.45 this afternoon. 'South Africa' of 26 October 1918 reported: THE LATE LIEUTENANT-COLONEL SCOTT, VC, DSO. Lieutenant Colonel Robert George Scott, VC, DSO, Cape Colonial Forces and late Cape Mounted Rifles, was born in 1857, and was a son of Fleet-Surgeon R C Scott, RN. Colonel Scott served in the Kaffir War of 1877-79, and the South African War of 1900-2, being mentioned in Despatches for meritorious conduct in the latter, receiving the Queen's Medal and three clasps, as well as the King's Medal and two clasps, and the DSO. In 1879, when serving as Sergeant, he received the Victoria Cross for conspicuous gallantry and devotion during an attack on Moirosi's Mountain. He volunteered to throw time-fuse shells as hand-grenades, over a line of stone barricades from behind which the enemy were bringing a heavy fire to bear on the Colonial troops, which it was impossible effectually to return. After causing all the men of his party to seek cover lest the shell should burst prematurely—by which precaution many lives were, in all probability, saved—Sergeant Scott advanced under heavy fire, and reaching the wall, made two attempts to throw shells across to the other side. In consequence of some defect in the fuse, which had been ignited before casting, the shell exploded at the second attempt. His right hand was blown to pieces, and he was severely wounded in the left leg, suffering also minor wounds on the body and limbs. His escape from death was miraculous, but he recovered, and lived until 3 October last, when he died at Cape Town.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book) | Kimberley Light Horse |
