Lot 285

Description

Boer War Relief of Ladysmith, 1900, medalet in silver (25mm) (C.1900/19, this medalet), ring top suspension at top removed, obverse inscribed, 'T.M.Kennedy/Committee Man'. Very fine and rare.

An article in Border Watch (Mt Gambier newspaper) outlined the rejoicing in Mt Gambier, South Australia when news of the Relief of Ladysmith reached the city. The rejoicing even eclipsed the celebrations for the Queen's Jubilee in June, 1897. People left their businesses and employments and declared the day a holiday. The Chairman of the Board of Advice was asked to give the public school children a holiday so they could rejoice with their parents and the holiday was at once given. Flags were flown in the streets and from businesses and homes. The Town Hall bell was rung and within five minutes there were a few thousand people in the street cheering. Signal guns were also bought into action and a 21-gun salute was fired.