United Kingdom. A Queen’s South Africa Medal to Trooper C.H. Dowell, Bethune’s Mounted Infantry, POW at Witkopjes, 1901

Instituted 1899. In silver, the rim officially impressed 544 TPR. C. H. DOWELL. BETHUNE’S M.I. with CAPE COLONY, TUGELA HEIGHTS, ORANGE FREE STATE, RELIEF OF LADYSMITH, TRANSVAAL, and LAING’S NEK clasps, a few small edge knocks, near extremely fine. 

Footnote:  Charles Henry Dowell served from October 28, 1899 until November 13, 1900. He was reported missing on September 12, 1900, while serving with Bethune’s Mounted Infantry at Utrecht. Sergeant Dowell was reported as a prisoner at Witkopjes, while serving with the Prince of Wales Light Horse in April, 1901. He was released. 

Bethune's Mounted Infantry was raised in Natal in October 1899 by Major Edward Cecil Bethune as a colonial mounted infantry corps for service during the Second Boer War (1899–1902). The regiment participated in General Sir Redvers Buller's Natal campaign, distinguishing itself during the advance that culminated in the Relief of Ladysmith following the battles of Tugela Heights in February 1900. Thereafter, the unit served in the Orange Free State and Transvaal, conducting reconnaissance, convoy escort, and anti-guerrilla operations against Boer commandos. As highly mobile mounted infantry, its troops played an important role in protecting communications and pursuing Boer forces throughout the later stages of the conflict.

The Prince of Wales's Light Horse Regiment was one of several colonial mounted units raised in South Africa during the latter part of the war to reinforce British operations against the Boer guerrillas. Recruited largely from experienced colonial horsemen and former volunteers, the regiment undertook patrol, scouting, escort, and blockhouse defence duties across the Transvaal and Orange River Colony. Operating as fast-moving mounted infantry, it participated in the extensive "drives" and cordon operations that characterized the final phase of the war, helping to restrict the movement of Boer commandos and secure British control of the countryside until the conclusion of hostilities in May 1902.