NAM.1984-04-15-6

‘Corporal J. Shaul. V.C.’, 1902. Cigarette card published by Taddy and Company, Number 77 from the series, 'V.C. Heroes - Boer War', a set of 125 cards, 1902. Portrait of Corporal John David Francis Shaul (1873-1953) wearing his Victoria Cross, after photograph by S L Cassar, Malta, 1902. The card is captioned: ‘Corporal J. Shaul. V.C. of the Highland Light Infantry, awarded the Victoria Cross for gallant bravery whilst in charge of stretcher bearers at Magersfontein. Shaul was born on 11 September 1873 in King’s Lynn, the son of a Crimean War veteran. At fifteen years old he joined the 1st Battalion, Highland Light Infantry. Shaul won his Victoria Cross at the Battle of Magersfontein on 11 December 1899 during the Boer War (1899-1902). Shaul was recognised for his bravery under fire, caring for wounded comrades on the battlefield. He was presented with the gallantry award at Pietermaritzburg by Prince George, the Duke of Cornwall and York, the future King George V, on 11 August 1901. He died in South Africa on 12 September 1953.

Magersfontein, Battle of, 1899 (Boer War 1899-1902)