QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, five clasps, Cape Colony, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen, South Africa 1901 (3951 Pvte. C. Linder, 17/Lcrs.), rank and initial officially corrected, good very fine

Private C. Linder was severely wounded at Tarkastad on 17.9.1901.
This famous disaster is superbly described in Deneys Reitz's Commando and the contemporary histories. A small, tired Boer force led by Smuts, short of clothing, food and ammunition, launched an audacious attack on 'C' Squadron 17th Lancers. Caught unawares, the 'Death or Glory Boys' put up a ferocious fight but were overwhelmed. Three Officers and 26 men were killed and two Officers and 39 men wounded. The captured horses and ammunition, plus British khaki, reinvigorated Smuts' force and allowed it to continue in the field. The Boers rode away with the famous 'Skull and Crossbones' badge on their hats.