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Great Britain: Boer War: Wiping Something off a Slate

Great Britain: Boer War: Wiping Something off a SlateGreat Britain: Boer War: Wiping Something off a Slate
Form: Upright oval shield with attached loop for a ring
By: ?
Date: 1900
Ref:  Hern: 566; Laidlaw: 0334;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
18.1 x 22.7 mmSilver2.6gm$55

Edge: Plain.

Obverse: Helmeted British soldier, right, climbing on rocky ground bayoneted rifle at the ready. Above in an arc: “WIPING SOMETHING” and across on the right: “OFF A / SLATE”.

Reverse: Across: “DUNDEE / ELANDSLAAGTE / KIMBERLEY / PAARDEBERG / LADYSMITH”.

Notes: The reverse names five successful British battles.

The phrase, "Wiping something off a slate" comes from Kipling's jingoistic poem written to raise funds in aid of the families of British soldiers who volunteered to serve in South African. It refers to a past dishonour when the British were defeated by the Boers during the First Anglo-Boer War at the battle of Majuba Hill in 1881.