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Lieutenant Cockburn VC, Lieutenant Turner
VC, and Sergeant Holland VC
from the files of the Royal
Canadian Dragoons
| The Royal Canadian Dragoons (RCD), formed on 21 December
1883, were sent to South Africa in 1900 to fight in the Boer War. On 7
November of that year, while acting as the rearguard for a column of
troops, the Dragoons found themselves under fire from an overwhelming
number of Boers. During a hectic running battle over many hours, the
Dragoons twice prevented the capture of the artillery pieces under their
protection, as well as preventing the Boers from engaging the escorted
troops. For their gallant actions in this battle, the Victoria Cross was
awarded to Lieutenant Cockburn, Lieutenant Turner and Sergeant Holland,
while Trooper W.A. Knisley was awarded the Distinguish Conduct Medal,
"the poor man's Victoria Cross". To this day, the Battle at
Leliefontein remains the most meritorious single action in the
Regiment’s history. Each year, commemorative activities are held to
honour the actions of these men and all Dragoons that fought at
Leliefontein. Their courage and gallantry in the face of adversity
established a tradition of service that continues to this day. |
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