AN EXCELLENT
"DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH" & "TALANA"
DISTINGUISHED CONDUCT MEDAL (VR),
QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL.(SIX CLASPS)
TALANA
DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH
ORANGE FREE STATE
TRANSVAAL
LAING'S NECK
SOUTH AFRICA 1901
with MENTION IN DESPATCHES (1901)
&
1914 STAR & BAR TRIO, To:
18141. GNR. O. CALLOW. R.F.A.
Q.S.A. To:
18141. Cpl. O. CALLOW. 13/ BTY. R.F.A.
An interesting feature of all 13th BTY QSA's is that they were originally named in error as '13RD' instead of '13TH'. This was officially and neatly corrected by the addition of a 'forward slash' / between and in an attempt to obliterate the two erroneous letters (13R /D).

CITATION. Although during this period there were no formal citations for The Distinguished Conduct Medal, it is quite clear from the comprehensively compiled history of the part 13/ R.H.A. played in the two actions concerned that Oliver Callow's award was made FOR GALLANTRY at The BATTLE of TALANA HILL & THE DEFENCE OF LADYSMITH.
The crest of TALANA HILL had been captured by the boer forces with our infantry (2RDF, 1KRRC & 1RIF BDE ) advancing N/W across the plain from Dundee. These three units being backed up by Oliver Callow & his comrades in 13th RHA in the rear. Due to confusion it was not realised that some parts of our infantry had reached the crest of TALANA hill. There were some friendly fire casualties before firing by our artillery was ordered to cease. Due to withering fire from the boers on TALANA hill and even more hostile fire coming from the East it was found necessary to withdraw our infantry which had found itself in an unacceptably exposed position. It was during this infantry withdrawal that 13th RHA stood strong to cover the retreat. The battery took a massive battering from both the North & East and at times during the action could not be seen for the dust thrown up by the hundreds of exploding boer shells which seemed sure to put paid to the men and guns of the 13th. Indeed, for most of the battle their continued resistance,constancy and survival could only be assertained by the visible flashes of their guns which could be seen through the smoke & dust of this infamous action.Cpl CALLOW was also 'Mentioned in Despatches' in 1901.





£4850
With Part Exchanges Welcome.