TOPIC:

The unique combination of Elandslaagte and Wepener to 36947 Pte Thomas George Dargan.

The QSA, one of my favorites, was purchased from the 1999 Spink auction and, at the time, 4 of the clasps were loose on the ribbon and he was not entitled to one of those (Wittebergen). The correct clasps were determined and these were riveted in the right order as on the medal as shown below.

Thomas Dargan was a stockman by trade and came from Treemond Street, Boston, USA.

He served in the Border Horse and Scottish Horse. His Border Horse service lasted for 9 months from 25 June 1900. After a break of 8 months he served in the Scottish Horse for 314 days being discharged on 15 Oct 1902 and gaining entitlement to Transvaal, SA01 and SA02.

It is unclear how he participated at either Wepener or Elandslaagte. However, the clasp entitlement is clearly shown on the roll (WO100/268p96).

In 1902 he attended the Coronation of King Edward VII, leaving South Africa on 7 Jun 1902. For this service he was awarded the Coronation Medal.

David

That is indeed a gem of a QSA! The mystery about his entitlement to the Elandslaagte and Wepener clasps must be very frustrating, especially given your detailed knowledge of both these engagements.

Regards
Brett

Brett,

It was! Finding the information behind the Scottish Horse entry has been frustrating. The first record of his is with the Border Horse in Jun 1900, well after both Wepener and Elandslaagte. Did he serve before the Border Horse or have the entries been made in error?

Some care has been taken with the entry because OFS has been removed with the addition of Wepener.



Best wishes
David