Description
Queen’s South Africa Medal, 2 bars, Cape Colony, Relief of Ladysmith, 3407 Private H. Randall, York and Lanc Regiment, died of wounds received at Potgieters Drift, 5th February 1900.
Officially impressed: 3407 Pte H. RANDALL. 1: YK: LANC: REGT.
The action at Potgieters Drift from War Record of the York and Lancaster Regiment:
“Next Day (5th Feb), the 3rd attempt to relieve Ladysmith began. The men were up and off very early on Monday morning. The York and Lancaster Regiment and South Lancashires formed first line. Closer and closer to the Boer position we advanced, but not a sign of life was visible. When within 1500 yards of the enemy’s position, the order was given to lie down… still no sign of the enemy until close on midday. Then the Boer guns spoke… the enemy’s gunners quickly got range of our exposed batteries and directed a perfect storm of fire against them. This awful display of artillery fire lasted two and a half hours. General Wynne gave the order to retire.
The Boers, for the first time that day, showed themselves, thinking, no doubt, that our retreat meant we had lost the day. But in reality, we had shown where the Boer guns were, besides keeping the Boers occupied whilst the battle on our right was won. Calmly and steadily the men withdrew from that circle of fire… total losses were surprisingly small, mainly owing to the men being well extended. One killed and 22 wounded, 2 died of wounds, comprised the York and Lancs casualties.”
Pte Randall was one of the two men who died of their wounds on 5 February.
Harry Randall, was born during 1878 in Ilminster, Somerset. He first attested for service with the 3rd Battalion Somerset Regiment, Militia at the age of 18 on 21st September 1896.
