Boer War Medal

Date1901- 1902

MediumSilver

Dimensions3 × 1 3/4 in. (7.6 × 4.4 cm)

Classifications(not assigned)

Catalog number765.26

DescriptionQueen's South Africa Medal for service in the Boer War (1899-1902). This military campaign medal includes five service bars for South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, Transvaal, Orange Free State, and Cape Colony. These service bars comprise the upper portion of the medal, which is attached to a circular medallion (the medal body itself). On the obverse (front), this medallion portion of the medal exhibits a left facing bust of Queen Victoria of England and the inscribed legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX'. The reverse features the figure of Britannia bearing a wreath, along with a background that includes ships, soldiers, the British flag, and the words 'SOUTH AFRICA'.

Stamped on the lower rim of the medal is the following:
909 TPR. G. SPINNER KITCHENER'S F.S.

This stamping identifies the soldier that this medal was issued to. George Spinner enlisted in the 1st Battalion of the South African volunteer unit known as Kitchener's Fighting Scouts (the meaning of "F.S.") during the Boer War in South Africa. Trooper Spinner enlisted at Durban, South Africa on February 4, 1901. The Fighting Scouts were named in honor of General H.H. Kitchener, who took over command of all British/United Kingdom forces in South Africa in 1900 - including South African volunteers - for the duration of the Boer War.

The connection between Boer War veteran George Spinner and Carl Hayden - and the Hayden Family - is unknown. The Haydens were friends with British immigrants who lived in Tempe (at least one of whom worked at the Flour Mill), but Carl Hayden may also have come into contact with George Spinner (or a member of his family) during Hayden's time in the Arizona National Guard, or during his time in the U.S. Senate.

Note - information on Trooper George Spinner and Kitchener's Fighting Scouts found at the following website: AngloBoerWar.com

Status

Not on view