CAPE OF GOOD HOPE GENERAL SERVICE MEDAL ROLL 1880-97

This medal, which was issued in silver only, was instituted in 1881.Almost all of these medals were issued with one or more clasps, only about 10 being issued unclasped.The reverse design shows the arms of Cape Colony.Some 5,200 were issued in all for three risings, each commemorated by a clasp.That for ‘Transkei’, the rarest of the three, was awarded for operations during a small rising in Tembuland and Griqualand East in 1880-81.The clasp for ‘Basutoland’ was awarded for service in the more extensive operations in that area, several major engagements taking place. The last clasp, that for ‘Bechuanaland’, was awarded, after a lapse of 16 years from the first two clasps, for an uprising amongst several tribes.The fighting took place in 1896-97, and it was only by the employment of considerable forces that the natives were defeated.It is worth noting that, apart from 15 British troops, all the awards of this medal were to colonial units, many of which were small.The total issue for each clasp is approximately: ‘Transkei’- 1,070; ‘Basutoland’ – 2,150; Bechuanaland’’ – 2,580. Only 23 medals were issued with all three clasps and medals with two clasps are very scarce.The naming is in thin, faint block capitals, and the ribbon is of dark blue with a central yellow stripe.