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Picture courtesy of the London Medal Co

QSA (4) Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal; (5075 PTE. W.J. HADDOCK. RL. IRISH. FUS.)

Haddock was wounded on 30th October 1899 at the Battle of Farquhar’s Farm which was part of the Battle of Ladysmith which was one of the early engagements of the war. A large British force had assembled in the garrison town of Ladysmith and on 30th October 1899 it launched a sortie against Boer forces which were slowly encircling the town. The outcome was a disaster for the British, the main body of the force being driven back into the town and an isolated detachment of 800 men was forced to surrender to Commandant De Wet. Farquhar’s Farm saw much heavy fighting on this date.

Haddock would later serve with 19th Battery, Royal Field Artillery and is additionally entitled to the South Africa 1901 clasp.