Collection of 13 letters/part letters, mostly Boer War, a nu...

Hammer

£170

Collection of 13 letters/part letters, mostly Boer War, a number on South African Light Horse embossed headed paper. 3 with envelopes addressed to a Miss Alexander, Gouldhurst. Also a 1916 letter to a Mrs Prior offering sympathy on the death of a Captain Sheepshanks. With Boer War casualties full length photo (15cm x 20cm) in uniform of 2nd Lieut John Alexander South African Light Horse who was killed in action at Metz Farm, on May 15th, 1901. He was the son of Mrs George Alexander, of Lidwells, Goudhurst, Kent, born in May 1880, and educated at Cranbrook Grammar School. At the outbreak of the war, 2nd Lieutenant Alexander was in the Argentine Republic where he had saved three men from drowning, and nearly lost his life in doing so. So anxious was he to serve in South Africa, that he managed to get a passage by attending to some horses, and on arrival at Cape Town, joined the South African Light Horse as a trooper. It is stated that of the whole troop of thirty, enrolled by Major Childe, only one survived the war. 2nd Lieutenant Alexander was present at the actions of Acton Homes, Spion Kop, Vaal Kranz, Hussar Hill, Monte Christo, Pieters Hill, and the Relief of Ladysmith. Having contracted severe enteric he was ordered home, but on recovering returned November 1900, and in May 1901, was given his commission. The day he was killed he was one of a party sent to surround two farm houses. He rushed into the farm at Metz, calling on the Boers to surrender, and was mortally wounded as he entered. Lieutenant Colonel Byng, commanding the column reported that "had 2nd Lieutenant Alexander lived, I would have recommended him for the VC, he displayed the greatest coolness and valour in leading his men to the attack and on entering the building he offered the Boers a chance of surrendering before firing, it cost him his life". 2nd Lieutenant Alexander is buried at Springfontein, near Philippolis. A Yorkshire cross was erected over his grave.
Reverse of mount inscribed “Here in Remembrance John Alexander South African Light Horse 1899 1900 – 1901 Finis May 15th 1901 at Metz Farm O.R.I. He gave his life for his country & his enemy.” Interesting lot.