Queens South Africa Medal. Silver issue & clasp 'Cape Colony' (8914 Pte W. E. Hopkins. Lovat's Scouts)

The recipient was a Highland Gamekeeper, who volunteered for service with the 'Special Highland Scouting Corps' and is confirmed as serving overseas with the 1st Contingent Lovat Scouts

The recipient was entitled to another 3 x clasps. Whether he ever received, and or ever wore the other clasps is not known, and the medal with single clasp is otherwise as issued

Medal & Clasps Verification: Private William Edward Hopkins is confirmed as being entitled to the medal with 4 x clasps 'Cape Colony', 'Diamond Hill', 'Wittebergen' & 'South Africa 1901'. The medal with first 3 x clasps confirmed as entitled on roll WO 100/130 the medal roll compiled and dated 'In the Field' at Aliwal North, South Africa on, 17 July 1901. The later 'South Africa 1901' clasp is confirmed as entitled per WO 100/130, on the supplementary roll of the 1st Contingent Lovat Scouts compiled and dated at, Beauly Castle, Scotland, on, 5 June 1903

William Edward Hopkins, was a native of Mochrum, Port William, Wigtownshire (now Dumfries and Galloway), Scotland, where he was born circa 1869. William was a 'Gamekeeper' by trade, and was 31 years of age, when he enlisted at Beauly Castle, Inverness-shire, Scotland on, 6 February 1900, for 'One Years Service With The Colours'. William Lewis specifically requested to be posted to the newly established 'Special Highland Scouting Corps' (Lovat Scouts) - of the Imperial Yeomanry of the British Army, for service overseas during the South African War. Williams subsequently served overseas on active service with the 1st Contingent Lovat Scouts, and took his final discharge at the Regimental Depot of the Queen's Own Cameron Highlanders at Inverness on, 28 August 1901. At discharge his character and military conduct were described as 'Very Good'. His service record was:

- Home Service: 06/02/1900 - 10/03/1900 (33 days)
- South Africa: 11/03/1900 - 13/08/1901 (1 year 166 days)
- Home Service: 14/08/1901 - 28/08/1901 (7 days)

Lovat Scouts: The regiment was raised in January 1900, by Simon Fraser, 14th Lord Lovat, Chief of Clan Fraser, for service with the Imperial Yeomanry in the Second Boer War. The Lovat Scouts were the first known military unit of the British Army to wear a ghillie suit. The 'Special Highland Scouting Corps' as they were known in 1900, were largely recruited from gamekeepers, ghillies and professional stalkers who worked on Highland estates, and who were renowned for their elite reconnaissance capabilities. Lovat Scouts served at Gallipoli during the Dardanelles Campaign of 1915. In 1916, the Lovat Scouts formally became the British Army's first sniper unit, then known as "sharpshooters". The regiment also served in the Second World War 

The recipients British Army service papers are extant and are held & accessible at The National Archives

A good example of a 'Highland Gamekeeper's Service on the Veldt' South African War Medal

Condition: Toned about GVF

Code: 25457