South Africa War 1899-1902 Medals. COLDSTREAM GUARDS

South Africa War 1899-1902 Medals Queen’s Africa 1899-1902. Clasps: Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast.

King’s South Africa 1901-02. Clasp: South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902.

8498. Pte. I. Hunt COLDSTREAM GUARDS.

Mounted as worn, Swing Style on old ribbons with horizontal pin and catch assembly to rear. Full Service History, Rolls confirm entitlement.

Details here extracted from his online service record.

Isaac Hunt was born in Thatcham, Newbury, Berkshire a 18 year 7 month old Cowman. He attested for the Coldstream Guards at Faversham 6th June 1891 recording his next of kin as his father John and mother Mary of Thatcham.

Joining the 2nd Battalion, appointed Lance Corporal 21st May 1895, promoted Corporal 1st April 1897, appointed Lance Sergeant 16th November 1897, he reverted to Corporal 3rd June 1898.

Tried by Regimental Court Martial 24th June 1898 for being drunk on duty, he was reduced to Private and imprisoned until 22nd July 1898 when he returned to duty.

Transferring to the 1st Battalion 18th March 1900 Isaac served in South Africa from 18th March 1900 to 4th October 1902. All clasps on both Medals confirmed on his service record.

Qualifying as a 2nd Class Gymnastic Instructor 1st July 1896 at Aldershot, he obtained a Second Class Education Certificate 19th November 1896 and passed for the rank of Sergeant 14th March 1898.

Discharged on completion of his engagement 5th June 1903, he attested for Section "D" Army Reserve 26th November 1903 to serve for four years. Isaac married Ellen Augusta Green at St Olave, London 16th December 1899.

The Coldstream Guards in the South Africa War 1899-1902.

The Coldstream Guards served in the Second Boer War 1899-1902, with both Battalions serving as part of the 1st Guards Brigade under Lord Methuen’s 1st Division. Arriving in Cape Town in November 1899. Both Battalions saw heavy action during the Campaign to relieve Kimberley.

Battle of Belmont 23rd November 1899- The 1st Bn Coldstream Guards lost 7 Killed and 21 Wounded.

Battle Of Modder River 28th November 1899- Fought under heavy Enemy fire, the 2nd Bn lost 12 Killed and 57 Wounded, while the 1st Bn lost around 20 Wounded .

Battle of Magersfonein 11th December 1899

A costly defeat during “Black week” where the Brigade had huge losses. The 1st Bn took severe casualties with 13 Men Killed in Action and 5 Officers and 50 men Wounded In Action including Col Codrington Wounded.

The 2nd Bn lost 3 killed including over 25 Wounded. Major "The Marquess Of Winchester" the 2nd in Command Killed alongside others. 
Another notable casualty was Major the Honourable William Lambton who was severely wounded and refused to be carried off the Battlefield because it would expose his stretcher -bearers to heavy Boer fire. He Spent 37 hours pinned to the open ground without food or water before being rescued.

Casualties: Total casualties to the Coldstream guards during the whole war were 13 Officers and 207 Men Killed in Action & 250 Wounded.