A rare Field Intelligence report issued to section commander...

Estimate

£100 - £150

A rare Field Intelligence report issued to section commanders at Kimberley days before the siege began. Carbon copy, dated 9 a.m., 3rd. Oct. 1899. Issued to and archived by Lt.-Col Wigram Clifford DSO (1876-1917) of the 1st Battalion Loyal North Lancashire Regiment whilst serving as a subaltern. Mentioned in F.M. Roberts' despatches (London Gazette May 8 1900) he: 'commanded the detachment of Mounted Infantry...and had much hard work in connection with patrolling duties in the early days of the siege. He has subsequently performed the duties of Acting Adjutant, Kimberley Light Horse, with marked success. His conduct in action on many occasions has been most distinguished (wounded 28th November)'.

Wigram Clifford was born in Bengal, the son of Major-General R. M. Clifford, whose brother and sister were killed in the Mutiny. Educated at the United Services College and RMC Sandhurst, he joined the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment in 1896. He was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order (London Gazette, 19 April, 1901) for operations in South Africa, the Insignia being presented to him by H.M. the King. Promoted Captain in the Northumberland Fusiliers in 1901, he married in 1903, Eva, youngest daughter of the late Major T. G. Miles (lot 662). He served on the North-West Frontier in 1908 and took part in the Mohmand Expedition. He was promoted Major in the Northumberland Fusiliers in 1915 and Lt-Col. in 1916. He was killed in action in Belgium in 1917 aged 41.