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From the Minute Book at the Royal Mint.

See also The Queen's South Africa Medal in Bronze by JV Webb Journal of the OMRS Vol 20 p101 for a full discussion on numbers minted and recalled

David, very interesting confirmation, what's the source? Best, Justin

A Photo for your viewing pleasure......

Mike

David
Thank you for posting that confirmation. I wonder how many of the medals were actually issued? An estimate of their survival rate would also be interesting.

Mike
Thank you for a very interesting picture. It is the first I have seen of the Native Scouts preparing for war. Is it in your collection?

Regards
Brett

Mike,

Thanks - is there a date on this sketch? From one of the illustrated magazines?

Best,

Justin

Here is a further extract from Hansard which gives some more background:

South African War Medals—Reasons for awarding to Kaffirs.

HC Deb 18 February 1903 vol 118 cc138-9 138
§MR. SWIFT MACNEILL (Donegal, S.) To ask the Secretary of State for War how many medals have been placed at the disposal of the Commander of the Forces in South Africa for presentation to Kaffirs for active service in the late war; and whether, having regard to the assurances of the War Office authorities that natives took no part in the war, what were the nature of the services rendered by the Kaffirs to whom war medals have been awarded.
(Answered by Mr. Secretary Brodrick.) Non-enlisted men who drew pay from 139 military funds were, under the terms of Army Order 94 of 1901, allowed to receive bronze medals, and a supply of 100,000 medals was despatched at Lord Kitchener's request to South Africa. A large number of Kaffirs were employed with the administrative services. Instructions have been given to avoid a wholesale issue of such medals.