Frontier Light Horse facts for kids

Quick facts for kids South Africa Medal (1877)
Obverse (left) and reverse (right) of the South Africa Medal (1877)
Type	Campaign medal
Eligibility	British forces.
Awarded for	Campaign service.
Campaign(s)	Anglo-Zulu War 1877–1879
Description	Silver disk, 36mm diameter.
Clasps	1877 1877–78 1879 1877–8–9
Statistics
Established	August 1880
Ribbon bar of the award

The Frontier Light Horse was a special group of 200 volunteer soldiers who rode horses. They were formed in 1877 in a place called King William's Town in the Cape Colony (which is now part of South Africa). Their leader was Lieutenant Frederick Carrington. This unit was sometimes called the Cape Frontier Light Horse. They served under Lieutenant-Colonel Henry Burmester Pulleine.

Military Adventures

Captain Robert Johnston Barton, the leader, was killed at the Battle of Hlobane on March 28, 1879.

A special Baptismal font in Fethard, County Tipperary remembers Captain Barton.

The Frontier Light Horse fought in the 9th Frontier War. This was a conflict between the British and the Xhosa people. They served under Major Redvers Buller. In July 1878, 276 officers and men marched from King William's Town to Pietermaritzburg. From there, they went to Sekhukhuneland to help in battles.

They also fought in the Anglo-Zulu War under Captain Robert Johnston Barton. This war was between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. The Frontier Light Horse was part of a group led by General Wood.

Battles and Bravery

On March 28, 1879, they acted as the rearguard at the Battle of Hlobane. This meant they protected the main army from behind. It was a very tough fight. About 20% of their 156 members were lost. Their leader, Captain Barton, was killed.

The very next day, they fought in the Battle of Khambula. After that, they moved into Zululand. They were also part of the Battle of Ulundi on July 4, 1879. This battle was a major turning point in the war. The Frontier Light Horse unit was disbanded at the end of that year.

Victoria Cross Heroes

The Victoria Cross is the highest award for bravery in the British military. Two members of the Frontier Light Horse earned this amazing medal. They were Captain Cecil D'Arcy and Sergeant Edmund O'Toole. They were honored for their brave actions. They tried to save the lives of other soldiers during a scouting mission. This happened just before the Battle of Ulundi on July 3, 1879.

Other Units with the Same Name

The name Frontier Light Horse was used again later. In 1899, a unit in the Eastern Cape Province was formed. It was first called the District Mounted Rifles. In 1900, it was renamed the Frontier Light Horse. This unit fought in the Second Anglo-Boer War.

Noteworthy Members

• Corporal William Smith: He was born in Eydon, Northamptonshire. He joined the army in 1848. He survived a famous shipwreck of a troopship called Birkenhead in 1852. Later, he served in the Frontier Light Horse during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879.

• Corporal George Ashby: He was born in Greenwich, Kent. He served in different units, including the Frontier Light Horse. In 1917, he shared his exciting experiences in a newspaper interview.

George Ashby's Story

Corporal Ashby told a story about capturing Umbeline's stronghold on Zhlobane Mountain. His group of 500 men had to climb a very narrow path. The Zulus fought hard with rifles and spears. But the British attacked at daybreak and reached the top.

While they were eating breakfast, they saw that the mountain was surrounded by many Zulus. They tried to go down the other side of the mountain. Corporal Ashby and his small group fought their way down. Soon, only he and another man named Andrew Gemmell were left. They kept firing at the Zulus as they retreated.

Then, Corporal Ashby's rifle broke. Luckily, Colonel Buller (who later became Sir Redvers Buller) rode by. Colonel Buller offered to take Ashby on his horse. But Colonel Buller was heavy, and his horse was light. So, Ashby politely said no. But the Colonel stayed with him. Ashby picked up a rifle from a fallen friend. The two men kept retreating, firing at any enemy they saw.

They finally reached the main camp. For his bravery that day, and for saving two fellow officers, Colonel Buller received the Victoria Cross. Out of 500 men who attacked Zhlobane Mountain, more than 300 died. The next day, the Battle of Campbell's Hill was fought. Soon after, the Battle of Ulundi took place. In this battle, the British, led by Lord Chelmsford, defeated the enemy. This was Corporal Ashby's last fight. The war ended quickly after that.

Soldiers Lost in Battle

Many brave soldiers from the Frontier Light Horse and other units died during these wars. Here are some of the names of those who were killed in action.

BAKER'S HORSE

FRONTIER LIGHT HORSE