Canada & The South African War, 1899-1902

Canadian South African War Insigna
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0M8
Tel. (819) 776-8600
toll-free 1-800-555-5621

Awards

Canadian Victoria Cross Recipients
Four members of Canadian units were awarded the Victoria Cross (VC) during the South African War. This award was the British Empire's highest military decoration for gallantry.

The Queen's South Africa Medal
All members of British or colonial forces who served in South Africa during the actual period of hostilities, 11 October 1899 to 31 May 1902, qualified for the Queen's South Africa Medal.

Queen's Scarf of Honour
In the last year of her life, Queen Victoria crocheted eight scarves for presentation to members of her forces fighting in South Africa. The Canadian scarf was awarded to Private R.R. Thompson for his actions in going to the aid of wounded comrades at Paardeberg on 18 and 27 February 1900.