A Queen’s Sudan and Boer War Casualty Group of 3 awarded to Private William Douglas, of “H” Company, 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, who was killed in action at Magersfontein on 11 December 1899 – during the disastrous period of losses which was later called ‘Black Week’, comprising: Queen’s Sudan, 1896-97 (3625. Pte W. Duglas 1/ Sea. Hrs.), note spelling of surname; Queen’s South Africa, 1899-1902, 2nd type reverse with ghosted dates, single clasp, Cape Colony (3625 Pte W. Douglas, 2: Sea: Highrs:); Khedive’s Sudan, 1896-1908, 2 clasps, The Atbara, Khartoum (3625 Private W. Douglas 1st Sea Highrs); Group swing-mounted on card for display, a few light marks and reverse edge bruise to Q.S.A., good very fine (3) Private William Douglas served initially with the 2nd Battalion, Seaforth Highlanders, in India, and appears to have been present at the Relief of Chitral with entitlement to that medal (roll confirms). He later served in the Sudan campaign of 1896-8 with the 1st Battalion, receiving both the Queen’s and Khedive’s medals with entitlement as above.It was in South Africa, however, that he was killed in action while serving with “H” Company of the 2nd Battalion, at the disastrous Battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899 – in what was later known as ‘Black Week’ due to the heavy British losses. At Magersfontein, the Highlanders closed within 400 yards of the enemy position under the cover of darkness before the Boers opened fire. Under the command of General Wauchope, the Brigade was commanded to extend its order but suffered so heavily from close-range fire that it was thrown into confusion, with Wauchope himself killed early on. So severe and accurate was the Boer fire that an estimated 700 British casualties were suffered within the first 5 minutes of action. As the day continued, the Seaforths fought bravely (particularly against the Scandinavian Corps) despite being largely pinned down by Boer fire and suffered under the harsh sun.William Douglas is commemorated on the Dingwall Seaforth Highlanders Boer War Memorial.Ex Morton& Eden, 27 November 2013 (part)

Estimate: GBP 400 - 500