Lot 25
† Edward VII DCM - for carrying ammunition to an outlying post under fire on the 21st of January 1901, on the occasion of the attack on Kaalfontein
The Petra Collection of Medals to the 22nd Foot (The Cheshire Regiment) & Other Properties | M26001
Auction: 12 February 2026 10:30 GMT
Description
The Edward VII, Kaalfontein, Distinguished Conduct Medal “carrying ammunition to an outlying post under fire on the 21st of January 1901”, and Great War pair awarded to Private, later Acting Serjeant Ernest Oultram 2nd Battalion Cheshire Regiment who was subsequently wounded in 1915 and Discharged dying just as the war finished in November 1918 comprising, Distinguished Conduct Medal, EVII, (5822 Pte. E. Oultram. 2nd Cheshire Regt), King’s South Africa Medal, two clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, (5822 Pte E. Oultram. Cheshire Regt.), 1914/15 Star, (5822 Cpl (A. Sjt) E. Oultram. Ches: R.), 1914-1920 British War and Victory Medals, (5822 A. Sjt. E. Oultram. Ches. R.), very fine (5)
Distinguished Conduct Medal The Edinburgh Gazette the10th of September 1901 under 'Mounted Infantry'.
Awarded whilst serving with the 8th Battalion Mounted Infantry. Territorial Regiments of the British Army by R. de M. Rudolf states “Privates Oultram and Mason were awarded the D.C.M. for carrying ammunition to an outlying post under fire on the 21st of January 1901, on the occasion of the attack on Kaalfontein
- according to Anglo-Boer War.com, his DCM comes at Kraaifontein 12 Jan 01
2nd Battalion Cheshires
The 2nd Battalion sailed on the Britannic about 7th January 1900, arriving about the 27th. Along with the 2nd South Wales Borderers, 1st East Lancashire, and 2nd North Staffordshire, they formed the 15th Brigade under Major General A G Wavell, and part of the VIIth Division under Lieutenant General Tucker. For the general work of the division see notes under 2nd Norfolk Regiment.
The Cheshires had no very serious fighting on the way from Modder River to Bloemfontein.
In the action at Karee Siding on 29th March the infantry employed was the VIIth Division, and this Battalion was said to have done well. They had about 22 wounded.
At the Zand River the Battalion was sent forward on the evening of the 9th May to seize and hold a drift. This they successfully accomplished, and the brigade crossed early on the 10th, clearing the enemy from strong positions north of the river.
After the occupation of Johannesburg, the 15th Brigade was detailed to garrison the town, and the Cheshire Regiment long remained in that vicinity.
Eight officers and 12 non-commissioned officers and men were mentioned in Lord Roberts' final despatch.
On 5th December 1900 the Battalion relieved the 2nd Royal Scots Fusiliers as garrison of Frederickstad. In January 1901 part of the Battalion was holding a post on the line south of Johannesburg when the enemy attacked fiercely. The attack was very gallantly driven off.
In 1901 the Battalion furnished the infantry of columns under Sir H Rawlinson, Colonel E C Williams, Colonel Hickie, and other commanders, which did much arduous but useful work in the South-West Transvaal. Three officers, 1 non-commissioned officer, and 1 private were mentioned by Lord Kitchener for good work during the later phases of the war. In the final despatch 5 officers and 4 non-commissioned officers were mentioned.
WW1
Wounded 11th Jan 1915, right leg and wrist.
Appears in the Soldier's Effects Register, because he's discharged 1st Sep 1915 but then 'dies after discharge'.
Died of disease on 26th Nov 1918.
Private
Group Originally sold with a 4 clasp, re-affixed suspension erased naming QSA with clasps for Relief of Kimberley, Paarderberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, this not now with group
Sold with Copy Gazette entries and Copy Service Papers he is also entitled to a Queen’s South Africa and King’s South Africa and the Great War Victory Medal
