Queens South Africa Medal. Silver issue with 5 x clasps 'Cape Colony', 'Paardeberg', 'Driefontein', Johannesburg' & 'Belfast' (3756, Cpl. K. McLeod, Gordon Highrs)

Wounded-in-Action: Private Kenneth McLeod. is confirmed 'Wounded-in-Action', at the battle of Doornkop, 29 May 1900

Regimental history records that “Captain Meyrick and 19 men were killed with 78 men wounded”. Gordon-Duff recorded that “… our dead and wounded numbered 97. Later 15 or 16 died of wounds and another four or five died of wounds in hospital.”

Witness Winston S. Churchill: Reports in the Morning Post newspaper published in the United Kingdom pertaining to the battle, and more specifically to the Gordon Highlanders (attributed to Winston Churchill) were:

Quote,

“I think, the finest performance I have seen in the whole campaign”, and “There is no doubt they Gordons are the finest regiment in the world.”

Unquote.

Victoria Cross regimental action: One Victoria Cross was awarded – to Corporal F. Mackay, of the Gordon Highlanders, for his conspicuous bravery in dressing the wounds of comrades and carrying one man some distance under heavy fire

Medal verification: The medal with all 5 clasps, was one of three medals earned by Kenneth McLeod during his service with the Gordon Highlanders, all of which we are citing per below medal roll sources:

Note: All medals and clasps verified as entitled per the respective campaign medal rolls as under;

- IGS 1895 & 3 x clasps: Ref WO 100/78 & WO 100/89
- QSA Medal & 5 x clasps: Ref WO 100/203
- KSA Medal & 2 clasps: Ref WO 100/343

Kenneth McLeod enlisted at Aberdeen for the Gordon Highlanders on 9 March 1891. A 'True Highlander' he had been born at Stornoway, Isle of Lewis, Outer Hebrides, Scotland circa 1869. On enlistment he was 22 years of age. After service with his battalion at the storming of the Malakand Pass in 1895, and subsequently in the Tirah campaign of 1898 where the regiment won undying fame for their gallantry at Dargai, the recipient was again in the thick of the fighting during the South African War where he took part in the famous Gordons battle at Doornkop, and was one of many which on that day, 29 May 1900, were to become battle-field casualties, courtesy of a well aimed Boer 'Mauser'.

Overseas service figured prominently in the career of Kenneth McLeod. He spent 6 years and 235 days in:

- India: 6 years & 235 days
- Egypt: 51 days
- South Africa: 2 years & 348 days in South Africa

By the time he took his final discharge form the British Army, Kenneth had qualified at the School of Musketry, Hythe, attained a Second Class Certificate of Education, and passed a course in 'Chiropody'! Kenneth McLeod was discharged from the British Army on, 20 May 1910 aged 41 years, in consequence of being found medically unfit for further service. He had by that time completed 19 years and 80 days service. At time of discharge his intended place of residence was given as 23, Nellfield Place, Aberdeen, Scotland . His conduct and character with the colours being described in the highest approbation as 'Exemplary'

Condition: VF

Code: 22779