British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97. With 'Matabeleland 1893' reverse. No clasp (Gunr. A. Evans. Victoria Column)

The recipient Arthur Evans, held the rank of  'Gunner', while serving with the Victoria Column 

Medal entitlement confirmed per the respective campaign medal roll (ref WO 100/77) in which Gunner Arthur Evans is confirmed  present at both of the principal actions fought by Victoria Column, against the impis of the Matabele vis:

- Shangani (25 October 1893)
- Bembezi (1 November 1893)

Important: The Battle of Shangani was the first of the two major battles of the Matabele War of 1893, and the very first recorded occasion that the British (Pioneers & Colonists) deployed and used in action the 'Maxim Gun' with devastating effect

The 'Artillery' pieces deployed in the 'joint' Columns that fought at Shangani comprised 5  x brand-new wagon mounted Maxim-Guns, together with 2 x 7 Pounder Cannon, a one-pounder Hotchkiss, together with a Nordenfelt and Gardner rapid firing guns. This collection of mostly modern weaponry, was manned and operated by the European volunteers, and can be identified  by the use of the rank 'Gunner'

Whether Gunner Evans actually pulled the trigger on one of the devasating Maxim Guns, that mowed the Matebele Impis down by the hundreds, or not is not known, but what is known beyond nay dount is that he was present at both of the battles of the Matabele War - and would certanly been in one of the teams manning the guns

It was the appaling loss of life incurred by the Matabele at Shangani (estimated at 1,500 dead against the loss of only 4 x Europeans) and at Bembesi (2,500 dead for the loss of  4 x Europeans killed & died of wounds) that the Belgian-British writer and poet, will be remembered in perpetuity for his quote;

Quote,

Whatever happens, we have got
The Maxim Gun, and they have not

Unquote.

A more contemporary Rhodesiana reference to the use of Maxim Guns, are the below lyrics words from the 'Troopie' song 'Battle of Bembezi' by songster John Edmond;

Quote,

And near 6000 warriors - we stopped them on the run

The bravest of the brave could never match the Maxim Gun

Unquote.

To hear John's song, in full access cut & paste below link into your search engine:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IonNtFYvd4E&list=RDIonNtFYvd4E&start_radio=1

Reference 'British Battles and Medals' (7th Edition, 2006) it is estimated that only 380 x BSA medals with 'Matabeleland' reverse were awarded to men serving in the Victoria Column - very few of which would have been awarded to the small group of men who were gunners handling the 5 x Maxim Guns, or 2 x 7 x Pounder Artillery pieces.

A most desirable and attractive condition medal to a confirmed 'Gunner'

Condition: VF

Code: 25951