TOPIC:

I have been fortunate to acquire one of only two Talana/Elandslaagte combinations to the Natal Carbineers - I am unsure as to whether or not there are any other of the same combinations to other units? I would also appreciate any further details of this chap and his exploits that any members may have.

The medals are to Hugh Alexander CRAIG - see details from the NC Muster Rolls:

CRAIG H.A., Trooper/Trumpeter 583. Attested 12/2/1899, K Sqn. Siege of Ladysmith 29/9/1899-9/10/1900, 18/9/1900-16/10/1901. Medal clasps for Talana, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Laings Nek and Transvaal.andd SA01

1902, May. The undermentioned N.C.O.'s and men were selected to represent the Regiment at the Coronation of H.M. the King:—T.-S.-M. A. B. Vanderplank, Sergeants H. J. Harkness, R. Carbis, J. K. Murray, T. McCathie, R. W. Smith, Corporals W. E. Antel, R. C. Boyd, M. Madsen, J. Watson, Trumpeter H. A. Craig, Troopers G. E. Bennett, E. M. G. Bowes, S. Daly, A. E. Grant, J. W. Horsley, J. Lawrence and H. P. Walsh.

As something of an aside here, it is interesting to note that during the battle, two Natal Carbineer despatch riders, Trumpeter H.A. Craig and Cpl. J. Watson, broke through from Dundee with a message from Colonel Yule to General White. Apart from having what must have been a very interesting ride, they created a little bit of history by becoming the only soldiers to qualify for both the "Talana" and "Elandslaagte" bars to their Queen's South Africa Medals by fighting at both battles.

Promoted Sergeant Trumpeter Left Wing 26/4/1905. 1906 Rebellion 9/2/1906-31/3/1906, 26/4/1906-3/8/1906. Awarded Medal with clasp. Off strength 11/2/1911

The Elandslaagte clasp was awarded later and is thus not attached to the medal - I will place a loose clasp over the ribbon once I find one.

Regards

Rory

Rory,

We have often talked about this combination but this is the first verified example I remember seeing.

My information is very similar to yours. He is entitled to the SA01 clasp.

QSA (6) Tal Eland DoL Tr LN SA01 | Enlisted 12 Feb 99 and mobilised 29 Sep 99 to 31 May 02. Carried despatched to Elandslaagte during the battle. On 18 Dec 99 a shell from Bulwana landed near to him, killing others of his unit, but leaving him unharmed. Served in the Zululand Frontier 18 Sep 01 to 16 Oct 01. Part of the Coronation Detachment. Sergeant Trumpeter 26 Apr 1905. Served in the Natal Rebellion 9
Feb to 31 Mar 1906 and 26 Apr to 3 Aug 1906. Resigned 11 Feb 1911 | Ref: QSA: WO100/260p80 Suppl: WO100/260p109

What a lovely find!

The pair have arrived this morning and, after adding a 1902 Coronation medal to the ensemble, I have taken a few snaps which, hopefully, show off the naming and condition well. I still need to source a loose Elandslaagte clasp to slip over the ribbon. If anyone has one to spare.....

What a nice package to receive.

Not only nice but extraordinary......

Mike

Rory,
A cracking group of medals.
Word of advice, do not stop collecting medals while you wait for the ‘spare Elandslaagte’ clap to appear.
Cheers,
Jim