Z.A. Republic: Boer War: Rand Rifles Award |
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| Form: | Circular with plain or ornamental loop to a ring | ||||||||||||
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| By: | C.P. Heydenrych, Johannesburg | ||||||||||||
| Date: | 1900, 1901 or 1902 | ||||||||||||
| Ref: |
Laidlaw: 1272; |
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| Variations: |
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| Edge: |
Plain. |
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| Obverse: |
Two figures standing on ground facing each other. On right, South African soldier at ease wearing slouch hat supporting grounded rifle in right hand. On left, a miner wearing cap supporting shove and pick on shoulder. Behind, head-works and buildings of a gold mine. Blank exergue. |
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| Reverse: |
Oak wreath tied with a ribbon at the bottom surrounding space for engraving. At the foot, maker's name: "HEYDENRYCH JOHANNESBURG". On the first medal the engraving has been machine erased on a lathe. The second medal is unnamed. |
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| Notes: |
Comes inside an oblong presentation case lined on the inside with blue silk and blue velvet. On the inside of the lid, a label: "MANUFACTURES / LOCALLY BY /C.P. Heydenrych / WATCHMAKER AND / JEWELLER". This medal was made for the Rand Rifles, a South African corps raised towards the end of 1900 in Johannesburg. The corps was recruited mainly from gold miners who had returned to Johannesburg after the occupation of the City by British troops on 31 May 1900. It was generally employed in the defences of Johannesburg and outposts in the surrounding district. The Rand Rifles Mine Guards helped to protect the goldmines against deterioration and attack. The Corps numbered about 1,600 men and was disbanded at the end of the war. Sergeant C.P. Heydenrych (No. 2152) was a member of the Corps and his family were Johannesburg jewellers. It is assumed that Sergeant Heydenrych organised for this medal to be made. The purpose of the medal is not known. It could be a medal presented to members of the corps on recruitment. It could also be a shooting award medal or a tribute medal. C.P. Heydenrych served with the Witwatersrand Rifles during the First World War and later commanded the South African Armoured Trains Division during the 1920s. In retirement he was appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the East Rand Commando. He is well remembered for his encouragement of marksmanship within the Union Defence Force. He sponsored a number of shooting competitions. The medals can be seen: Laidlaw 0914 and 1273. |
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