South African Military History Society

Captain David Reginald Younger VC


Photo: Derek Walker

Location
Krugersdorp, Gauteng Province, South Africa
Turn into Omega Street from the intersection with Wagen Road. The Cemetery gate is at the end of Omega Street.

In the cemetery, the Crematorium is on the left and there is a path to the right. Proceed along the path towards the concentration camp graves. Walk east of the graves to the edge. There are more concentration camp graves with 3 brick planters on one side. The reburials memorial and ABW graves are in this area.
Captain Younger's grave is at the western corner of the first planter.

GPS 26 deg 6 min 8.74 sec S, 27 deg 45 min 36.59 sec E


Photo: Derek Walker

Significance
Capt Younger was awarded a Victoria Cross for his bravery.

The Citation recorded in the London Gazette reads:

"Captain D. R. Younger, Gordon Highlanders.
This Officer, during the action near Krugersdorp, on the 11th July, 1900, volunteered for and took out the party which successfully dragged a Royal Artillery wagon under cover of a small kopje, though exposed to a very heavy and accurate fire at only 850 yards range. He also accompanied the second party of volunteers who went out to try and bring in one of the guns. During the attempt he was mortally wounded, dying shortly afterwards. His cool and gallant conduct was the admiration of all who witnessed it, and, had Captain Younger lived, the Field Marshal Commanding-in-Chief in South Africa, would have recommended him for the high award of the Victoria Cross, at the same time as Captain W. E. Gordon, of the same Regiment."


Photo: Derek Walker

The headstone is inscribed:
IN SACRED 
AND LOVING MEMORY OF
DAVID REGINALD YOUNGER, V.C.
CAPTAIN 1ST BATT. THE GORDON HIGHLANDERS,
ELDEST SON OF THE LATE
DAVID YOUNGER, EDINBURGH.
KILLED IN ACTION
AT LEEHOEHOEK NEAR KRUGERSDORP 11th JULY 1900

I THANK MY GOD UPON EVERY REMEMBRANCE OF YOU

IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONSPICUOUS BRAVERY
DISPLAYED BY HIM IN THE ABOVE ACTION
HE WOULD HAVE BEEN RECOMMENDED TO HER MAJESTY
FOR THE VICTORIA CROSS HAD HE LIVED
The cross piece is inscribed
THE VICTORIA CROSS WAS SUBSEQUENTLY GRANTED
TO THE RELATIVES OF CAPTAIN YOUNGER
South African Military History Society / scribe@samilitaryhistory.org