MEDIA RELEASE
28 June 2023
Militaria Auction Highlights Remarkable Boer War Diaries
Rare Boer War Diaries and Medals Offer a Glimpse into the Historic Conflict
Swan Deverell Auctioneers in Erina offers an unparalleled opportunity for collectors, historians, and enthusiasts to acquire remarkable pieces from a pivotal chapter in military history. Found right here on the Central Coast.
The collection encompasses a diverse range of artefacts, including handwritten diaries penned by Edwin Armstrong Stebbing, a soldier who saw action at the Relief of Ladysmith. His personal accounts, meticulously recorded, provide unique insights into the daily struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced during the turbulent period of the Second Boer War. The diaries serve as invaluable historical records that shed light on the human side of war.
Complementing the diaries are a selection of medals awarded to Mr Stebbing for his courage and dedication. These medals include the Distinguished Conduct Medal; George VI Meritorious Service Medal; and the Queen’s South Africa Medal with clasps for Orange Free State, Transvaal, Tugela Heights, and the Relief of Ladysmith.
Mr Stebbing was awarded the DCM for conspicuous gallantry on 23 February 1900. He is recorded as having carried wounded men from the firing line under very heavy fire during the relief of Ladysmith, a significant military operation during the Second Boer War. Ladysmith was a town that was besieged by Boer forces for several months, and the relief of the town was a critical objective for the British forces.
Hannah Clayton Atkin, auctioneer at Swan Deverell, has painstakingly curated this collection and states: "We are immensely proud to present these exceptional Boer War artefacts to collectors and history enthusiasts. The Distinguished Conduct Medal is a testament to the bravery of Edwin Armstrong Stebbing and his Boer War diaries offer a rare opportunity to explore the personal narrative of someone who participated in the conflict."
These important artefacts and other militaria from consignors on the Central Coast are part of the Swan Deverell timed online auction that is accepting bids from 28 June – 5 July 2023.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Hannah Clayton Atkin
Swan Deverell Auctioneers
12A/172-176 The Entrance Road, Erina, NSW, 2257
02 4303 0559
enquiries@swandeverell.com.au
www.swandeverell.com.au