Distinguished Service Order awarded to Major Reginald Turner, South African Light Horse, 1901

Silver-gilt alisee cross enamelled in white with gold edges, with a central roundel in red enamel with a gold royal cypher, surrounded by a gold and green enamelled wreath. The medal hangs from a gilt ring and suspension bar with laurel leaves and the red and blue ribbon is fixed with a second bar.

Major Turner served in the Boer War (1899-1902) and was awarded the Distinguished Service Order (DSO) 'in recognition of services during the operations in South Africa'. The latter included actions in Cape Colony, at Tugela Heights, in the Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, the Transvaal and Laings Nek. He went on to serve in World War One (1914-1918) and was mentioned three times in despatches.

The South African Light Horse had been raised in Cape Colony in November 1899 and was commanded by Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. Julian Byng (later Viscount Byng of Vimy). They were a mix of South Africans (including loyal Afrikaners), British and even a contingent of Texan volunteers.

The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a British military decoration, given to recognise meritorious and distinguished service by officers. It was instituted in the reign of Queen Victoria in 1886. From 1993 the award was open to all ranks.