| Lewis | A | 4496 | Private | Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (4496 Pte. A. Lewis, E. Kent Regt.); Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Transvaal (4496 Pte., E. Kent Regt.); King's South Africa, 2 clasps (4496 Pte., E. Kent Regt.) Private A. Lewis won his D.C.M. for his gallant behaviour at Bakenlaagte on 30th October 1901, when the Buffs formed part of Colonel Benson's Column. The rear-guard, which was the object of the enemy's main attack, was composed of two companies Mounted Infantry, two squadrons Scottish Horse, two guns 84th Battery, and one company 2nd Buffs, the whole under the command of Major Anley, 3rd Mounted Infantry. The guns, the company of Buffs, and 50 Mounted Infantry were posted on a ridge, some Mounted Infantry and Scottish Horse being out as a screen. The screen was ordered to close in, but at the same time it was compelled by a strong force of the enemy to retire. 'The company of the Buffs which formed the original escort, posted well to the front of the guns on the south side of the ridge, was captured by the enemy, as he rode practically into our position almost in touch with our men.' Colonel Benson had ordered up two additional companies of the Buffs to reinforce the ridge, 'but these did not succeed in reaching any positions whence their fire could effectively be brought to bear.' Colonel Benson reached the guns, and there he and Colonel Guiness fell. Only one end of the ridge, occupied by some of the Mounted Infantry, remained in our hands when darkness set in. The two guns were captured by the Boers and removed after dusk. The Buffs casualties in this action amounted to 10 killed, and 41 wounded.
Source: DCM recipients | (Buffs) East Kent Regiment |
