Trooper K Lopela - Sheptone's Native Horse KIA

Posts : 7 Join date : 2016-03-11

Hello Everyone

I have this in my collection, its 4cm by 3.5cm in size. Its dated 1879 and named to Trooper K Lobela. On looking at the medal roll, Trooper K Lobela of the Shepstone's Native Horse, was killed in action at Ulundi on 4th July 1879.

Does anyone have an idea as to the what this medal is and for what purpose it was issued. Was it only issued to Natives? Is this some sort of decoration for bravery to natives?

Regards
Anthony

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Subject: Trooper K.Lopela Mon Mar 14, 2016 9:17 am

Hi Anthony
I seem to recall seeing something like that previously but cant remember any details , I have a photograph of Lopela's Grave at Ulundi if your interested ? .
90th

Posts : 7 Join date : 2016-03-11

Hi

I would certainly love a copy of the photo

Thanks
Anthony

Subject: Trooper K.Lopela Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:15 am

Anthony I've sent you a message via the pm service agree

90th

Posts : 7 Join date : 2016-03-11

Thanks Gary

will only be able to reply in 7 days as new member.

Regards
Anthony

Subject: Trooper K.Lopela Mon Mar 14, 2016 11:41 am

Hi Anthony
I thought that'd be the case , once you can reply we'll go from there .
90th

Posts : 7 Join date : 2016-03-11

Hi Everyone

I am still looking for information surrounding the issue of this medallion. Why was it issued and for what purpose. I cant seem to find any information on it.

Any assistance will be appreciated

Regards
Anthony

Posts : 72 Join date : 2011-02-26 Location : Scotland

I've seen a couple more of these Anthony and have one in my collection with the troopers South Africa medal. Like yours, mine and yours are to men killed in action, the other I couldn't find on the casualty roll but all were Shepstone's Horse. I've never found anything to be 100% but I think they were either given to the families of those members of that unit that were killed/died, or just to every member of the unit. The unit was very well thought of and were the only Native Horse unit to have medals issued to the entire (or pretty much the entire) unit. This probably had alot to do with their commanding officer being a Shepstone and presumably he made sure the unit got their SA medals (other equally good units weren't that lucky). Perhaps Shepstone had these made up for the unit, they are certainly from Natal but I'd also be interested to know for sure.

Jager1

Subject: Trpr K Lopela - Shepstone's NH KIA Fri May 04, 2018 2:21 pm

Hi AnthonyG
Hope all is well with you Anthonyg ? , I don't think I ever received a reply from you in regard to wanting a pic of Trpr Lopela's grave at Ulundi ? .
Cheers 90th Salute

Posts : 2558 Join date : 2009-04-06 Age : 61 Location : UK

It could be a the tribute medal this designed were issued during the boer War.

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Posts : 7 Join date : 2016-03-11

Hi Gary (90th)

Yes we did make contact regarding Lopela’s grave picture. Unfortunately I he one you had was for Lunga. You did email it to me. Pity, it would have been nice to see Where Lopela was buried.

Cheers
Anthony

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