medal code J2944a

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A SCARCE SOUTH AFRICA 1834-53 TO AN OFFICER IN THE 7TH DRAGOON GUARDS WHO SERVED AGAINST THE BOERS IN 1845 AND TOOK PART IN THE WAR OF THE AXE 1846-7, HAVING HIS HORSE SHOT WHILE COMMANDING THE REARGUARD AT THE AFFAIR AT TROMPETER’S DRIFT

SOUTH AFRICA 1834-53 ‘CORNET J. T. CRAMER, 7TH. DRAGN. GDS.’

John Thomas Cramer was born in March 1820, the younger son of John Cramer of Rathmore, Co. Cork; the family was 'of great antiquitv, and came originally from Germany, one of its ancestors, Colonel Tobias Kramer, being Governor at the siege of Ostend.' Young John studied law at Trinity College, Dublin and, although called to the Bar at the Middle Temple in 1842, he opted for a Cornetcy in the 7th Dragoon Guards in December 1843. Returning to Ireland in the 1850s, Cramer resided at Ballindinisk, near Kinsale, Co. Cork. and served as a J.P.

Cramer served in South Africa from 1844-5, taking a part in operations against the Boers in 1845 and the Frontier War 1846-47 (War of the Axe). He was advanced to Lieutenant in March 1847. During their service in South Africa, the 7th Dragoon Guards spent a large amount of time on patrol work, convoy duty in small sections at various posts and were frequently under attack or threat of, especially ambushes of which their were many during the conflict.

His Army List Entry;

‘Lieut Cramer served with the 7th Dragoon Guards against the insurgent Boers in South Africa in 1845. Also in the Kaffir War of 1846-47, and had his horse shot in the affair at Trompeter's Drift, while commanding the rear-guard’.

A scarce medal to an Officer in the 7th Dragoon Guards, with only 150 medals issued to the Regiment. This is far less than most of the 19 British Regiments/corps entitled to the medal, with only the 72nd (129) and 75th (116) being issued less.

Condition VF, a little edge bruising.

Code J2944a        Price £