P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo.

Posts : 3460 Join date : 2021-01-04

From saleroom. Estimate £400-£600

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A ZULU WAR MEDAL WITH 1877-8-9 CLASP. A Zulu War medal with 1877 - 8 - 9 clasp named to Segt P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo.

The Cape Yeomanry were raised as a properly funded local militia by the Cape Government in 1878. Their purpose the defence of the eastern frontier of the province.
They were disbanded in 1881

The Van Niekerk's were heavily represented in the 3rd Cape Mounted Yeomanry.
There was:-
Captain C.J. Niekerk 1877-78-79
Lieut. J.A. Niekerk 1879
Serg, G.L Niekerk 1877-78-79
Serg. P.C. Niekerk 1877-78-79
Serg. P.C. Niekerk 1879 returned to Woolwich mint.

The 3rd Cape fought at Moirosi's stronghold 29/05/1879 suffering 15 casualties.

Seems the Niekerks were involved in the beginning of the diamond industry in SA

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Kate Very Happy

Subject: Re: P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo. Wed May 12, 2021 9:41 am

Something of a misnomer for the seller to refer to it as a “Zulu War Medal”, as the Cape Yeomanry were not in action against the Zulu.

Just me being pedant.

JY

Posts : 3460 Join date : 2021-01-04

I think its is a common thing for people to get confused. People think it is the Zulu War Medal and are not aware of its exact title of the 'South Africa Medal for Zulu and Basuto Wars'; 25th September 1877 to 2nd December 1879.
I popped it on here in for reference reasons in case anyone came looking (plus I thought he diamond bit was interesting.)
Kate Very Happy

Subject: Re: P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo. Wed May 12, 2021 11:57 am

Kate Van Niekerk, is probably a lot more common in SA than 'Smith' in England. Very Happy

Subject: Re: P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo. Wed May 12, 2021 12:42 pm

I think it is because the very word Zulu is a selling aid.

JY

Posts : 3460 Join date : 2021-01-04

Just like a small fish attached to your ear is a herring aid Rolling Eyes

Kate

Subject: Re: P. C. Van Niekerk B/3rd Cape Yeo. Mon May 31, 2021 3:33 am

I recently acquired a South African Medal to Sgt G. Roy, 9 Troop Cape Mounted Riflemen. Theytook part in two assaults on Morosi's Mountain when 2 V.C.'s were awarded. Clasps 1877-8-9.

» The Cape Gun.
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» The Disaster At The Cape