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Scotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute Medal
Scotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute MedalScotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute Medal
Scotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute MedalScotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute Medal
Scotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute MedalScotland: Boer War: Dundee Tribute Medal
Form: Circular with bezel collar bonded to flan
By: H.P or H&P (Hands & Pearce)
Date: 1900, 1901 & 1902
Ref:  Hern: 832; Hibbard: C6; Laidlaw: 0962;
Variations:
SizeMetalMassValue
38.0 mmSilver (Type 1 1900)23.5 gm$520 (more with campaign medals)
37 mmSilver (Type 2 1901)$520 (more with campaign medals)
37 mmSilver (Type 3 1902)$520 (more with campaign medals)
Edge: The bezel collar is 4.0 mm thick and the rim is reeded. The flan is thinner. Sometimes privately engraved with the name of the recipient.

Obverse: Engraved coat of arms of Dundee: pot of lilies on shield supported by two dragons, tails knotted below, three lilies crest, motto on a ribbon above: "DEI DONUM" and below: "PRUDENTIA ET CANDORE".

Reverse: Type 1 (1900): Engraved inscription between ornaments: "DUNDEE VOLUNTEERS (in an arc) / SERVICE IN / SOUTH AFRICA. / WITH FREEDOM OF CITY. / 1900." In an arc below, maker's mark: "H.P" and hallmarks for Birmingham 1899-1900 (z).

Type 2 (1901): Engraved inscription between ornaments: "DUNDEE VOLUNTEERS (in an arc) / SERVICE IN / SOUTH AFRICA / WITH FREEDOM OF CITY / 1901". Across above the date, hallmarks for Birmingham 1900-1901 (a). Below that the maker's mark obscured by the engraving: "1901".

Type 3 (1902): Engraved inscription between ornaments: "DUNDEE VOLUNTEERS (in an arc) / SERVICE IN / SOUTH AFRICA. / WITH FREEDOM OF CITY. / 1902.". In an arc below, maker's mark: "H&P" and hallmarks for Birmingham 1901-1902 (b).

Notes: There are three types of this medal, dated 1900, 1901 and 1902.

The medals were presented with no suspension. A suspension ring was often added privately, either soldered on or with a claw. Sometimes medals were privately gilded. Occasionally medals are seen with a broach attachment for female wear. The thickness of the flan is not consistent and the weight of the medals can vary significantly.

References to the records of the awards of these medal can be found online at: 'The Muster-Roll of Angus' and 'Friends of Dundee City Archives'.

It would appear that three Volunteer Service Companies (1st, 2nd and 3d) were raised from the citizens of Dundee. Each has about 60 men. The medals were presented either on the soldier's return form South Africa or on his departure. A Burgess Ticket granting freedom the City was presented at the same time. Medals were also awarded in absentia.

The companies from Dundee were assigned with other Scottish volunteer companies to the Volunteer Battalions of the Royal Highlanders (Black Watch) (V.B.R.H.)

The 1st Dundee Volunteer Service Company served with the 2nd V.B.R.H and arrived in South Africa in November 1899. They returned home after 15 months of service. The Friends of Dundee City Archives records 61 members. Presumably all of these would have received the Type 1 Tribute Medal.

It is not clear when the other two service companies departed for South Africa or when they returned home. They served variously in the 1st, 2nd or 3rd V.B.R.H. These mean would have received the Type 2 or 3 Tribute Medals.

The Type 1 (1900) medal illustrated is attributed to 7556 Private Norman Magnus Welsh 1st Dundee Volunteers & 2nd V.B.R.H. He was awarded the QSA with Wittebergen, Cape Colony and 1902 clasps.

The Type 3 (1902) medal illustrated is attributed to 9101 Private J Cuthbert of the 3rd Dundee Volunteers & 1st V.B.R.H. He was awarded the QSA with Cape Colony, Orange Free State and 1902 clasps.