Canada, CEF. A South Africa and First War Group to Pte. Lamb, POW in 1916

A Cape of Good Hope General Service Medal, in silver, full size, rim engraved PTE. H.O. LAMB. C. POL., replacement ribbon with BECHUANALAND clasp, dark patina, minor wear, extremely fine condition. 

A Queen’s South Africa Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 2789  PTE. H. O. LAMB. D. OF E. OWN V.R., replacement ribbon with SOUTH AFRICA 1902, SOUTH AFRICA 1901, CAPE COLONY clasps, dark patina, minor wear, extremely fine. 

A British War Medal, in silver, full size, rim impressed 45603 PTE. H. O. LAMB. 17-CAN. INF., replacement ribbon, dark patina, residue around the edges, minor wear, extremely fine. 

Footnote: Henry Octavius Lamb was born in Croyden, England in April 1870.  In 1914, Lamb was living in Haileybury, Ontario, working as a mining engineer. He previously served with the Cape Police during Bechuanaland (1896-1897) and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles in South Africa(1901-1902).  He enlisted for the First War in August 1914. 

From August 1914 until January 27, 1915, he served with the No. I Machine Gun Brigade He then transferred to the 17th Battalion from January 27, 1915 to February 8, 1915. He served with the 15th Battalion from February 8, 1915 until April 24th, 1916. During this time, he served in France and in Flanders.

From April 24, 1916 until August 12, 1916, he was reported as a prisoner of war at Gottingen, and was interned at Murren Switzerland. Upon repatriation, he was sent to the London General Hospital for Anaemia, and then to the Hospital in Bearwood for arterio sclerosis hematuria. The records state “taken prisoner by Germans at St. Julien, 18 months in prison. Complains of pains in head, dizziness, weakness - 51 years of age.” Lamb was discharged to Canada in October 1917 via the HS “Araguaya” from Liverpool and being medically unfit to serve. He was later officially discharged due to demobilization in 1919. 

Lamb died on October 29, 1934 at St. Anne de Bellevue Hospital from carcinoma. His death was due to service, and he was commemorated in the Mount Royal Cemetery in Montreal, Quebec. 

Between 1896 and 1897, the Cape Police were deployed to Bechuanaland to help enforce colonial measures during a rinderpest outbreak. They assisted in carrying out cattle culls ordered by the British authorities to contain the disease, which caused widespread hardship. Their role included maintaining order and suppressing local resistance to these harsh policies, often escalating tensions with affected communities. 

During the Second Boer War, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles served as a colonial volunteer battalion supporting British forces in South Africa. They were primarily involved in local defense duties in the Cape Colony, protecting key infrastructure such as railways and supply routes from Boer raids. The battalion also participated in patrols, skirmishes, and garrison duties, helping to maintain British control in strategic areas. Their role was crucial in supporting regular army units and securing British interests in the region.