The Zuidafrikaanse Republiek en Oranje Vristaat Oorlogmedalje 1899-1902 (ABO)
was the medal issued to all ranks of the Transvaal and Orange Free State who
fought during the Boer War. The regulations for the award of the ABO were
published in the Government Gazette of the Union of South Africa number 2307 on
21 December 1920. The application form for people to be awarded the ABO
was called Form B.
'The medal which will be designated 'The South African Republic and Orange
Free State War Medal' will be silver, circular, having the coat-of-arms of the
South African Republic and the inscription 'Anglo-Boeroorlog 1899-1902' on one
side, and the coat-of-arms of the Orange Free State and the inscription 'Anglo-Boeroorlog
1899-1902' on the other side, with the name and rank of recipient engraved on
the edge of the medal'.
The ABO can still be issued subject to the demands for proof being met.
The last award was made in September 1975.
13,751 ABOs were issued.
Several Boers subsequently fought on the British side being awarded the
QSA. Click here for the account of M S Thring.
Market examples
An OBE, ABO group awarded to Lieutenant A W Collet. OBE, ABO (Kpl),
1914-15 Star (Sgt Maj Hunts Scouts), BWM, VM (Lt). He was twice wounded
during the Boer War. Photograph courtesy of Kaplan Auctions.
Click on the thumbnail to enlarge (80k)
ABO, Service Medal of the Order of St John. Both named to J J Hoffman.
He served in the Phillipolis Commando in
the Orange Free State. The Service Medal was issued for 10-15 years
service to the order. eBay Dec 05.
