TOPIC:

It gives me great pleasure to present an artefact from the Boer side of the conflict with a powerful European influence.

It is in the form of a tribute medal which I strongly suspect might have been distributed to the schoolchildren of the village of MONTAIGU shortly after the end of hostilities. This is the first time I have encountered this memorial medal.


"1847. A. VILLEBOIS MAREUIL. 1900"


Central shield bearing initials 'RF' for Republique Francaise with crossed flags with finials behind showing the Boer Vierkleur to the left and the French Tricolore to the right.
The lower banner 'HONNEUR PATRIE'. All surmounted by a star and possibly protea leaves?


The inscription to the reverse of the medal:
'VILLE DE MONTAIGU
24 AOUT
1902
A LA MEMOIRE
DU COLONEL
VILLEBOIS-MAREUIL
MORT
A BOSHOF
EN
DEFENDANT LES BOERS'


Reverse of the suspension coat of arms with the pin for attachment to clothing still present and not bent!


Of course, I now have to read all about this celebrated folk hero of the Boers and France, who was lauded to have rescued the reputation of the French army by his gallant sacrifice on a foreign field. Indeed, many statues and memorials were erected in his memory. Streets were named after him and also military marksmanship competitions near his name to this day.

I will enjoy learning more about Villebois-mareuil , and invite any further comment on this medal's origins.

Fantastic..!!

What a delight to see a medal that has not been recorded by Brian Hern. An amazing find.

Here is the transfer-printed plate that was used for the cover of Roy Macnab's book.





..

Another French plate depicting the Colonel...

Steve,

Delcampe.net have a good selection of postcards depicting the memorial on your medal. Might be worth a look.

For example: https://www.delcampe.net/en_GB/collectables/postcards/france/montaigu/85-montaigu-statue-de-villebois-mareuil-rl31-1005-2251868455.html

I believe 24 August 1902 (on the reverse of the medal) was the date of the unveiling of the monument.




..

The Penny Illustrated Paper 21 April 1900



Une mort très dramatique et très incroyable – the latter based on his uniform alone.



War notes;: The diary of Colonel De Villebois-Mareuil from November 24, 1899, to April 4, 1900

A bookseller in Warwick has a copy which can be purchased via AbeBooks for £125.