Diameter: 7.5cm (3in)
Silver. Circular ‘pebble’ form tobacco box ‘tribute’ presented to a militia volunteer on his return from the Boer War, the hinged spring lid engraved ‘South Africa 1900-02’ and embossed with the badge of the ‘IVth Bedfordshire Regt / Hartfordshire Militia’. Maker’s mark of George Unite & Sons. Hallmarked Birmingham 1901.
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The 4th (Militia) Battalion of the Bedfordshire Regiment was called up for active duty in the Boer War on 8 February 1900, and embarked on the SS Goorkha arriving in South Africa on 21 March 1900. Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Cranborne was in command. They remained in the Orange River Colony, and for a considerable time operated in the north-east of the colony with General Hunter. Thereafter the battalion served in a column under Major-General Bruce Hamilton which operated from Kroonstad. The battalion did excellent service in the action near Winburg on 7 August 1900, which resulted in the capture of key Boer General – Jan Hendrik Oliver and his sons. On 31 August one wing entrained for Bloemfontein and was sent to garrison posts on the line between the capital and Thabanchu. Many Boer attempts to cross the line were repulsed with loss to the enemy. On 14 December a Boer force of about 3000 attacked the line, and after severe fighting got through, but minus a pom-pom gun, twelve wagons, and much ammunition, captured by the men holding the line. The headquarters and about half the battalion remained near Sannah's Post until peace was declared.