TOPIC:

On the subject of split up medal groups, I have an IGS 1895 to Pte M Jude of the Devons, who is entitled to a QSA (Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Belfast) and KSA. According to David's excellent research they were sold as a pair by Warwick & Warwick in 2004. It would be nice to reunite them one day!

Jon

Jon,

Let's hope you are able to reunite them soon.

Best wishes
David

QSA Clasps Elandslaagte , Defence of Ladysmith, Laings Nek, Belfast ,South Africa 1901 awarded to 5982 Drummer (Piper) George Kerr 2nd Battalion Gordon Highlanders. His service papers clearly state that he was a Piper throughout his service. George Kerr joined the Army in 1897 and was deployed to the East Indies where on 1st October 1897 he was appointed Piper and from there went to the war in South Africa . He transferred to the reserve in 1904. It has been stated in a book on pipers that he was wounded at Elandslaagte. I cant find any other reference to him being wounded ,
can anyone on the forum throw light on that ?
Also pictured is a Royal British Legion Medal awarded in 1929 to Pipe Major George Kerr ,

The excellent but sole medal to R G Brooke who won the DSO in Egypt and was then wounded at Elandslaagte. On sale at eBay .





BROOKE, RONALD GEORGE, Captain, was born 25 September 1866, second son of Sir Victor Brooke, 3rd Baronet, and Alice, daughter of Sir Alan Bellingham, 3rd Baronet. He was educated at Marlborough, and Sandhurst; passed the Staff College; was gazetted to the 7th Hussars, 1886; was extra ADC to the Governor of Bombay; Orderly Officer to General Gatacre, commanding 3rd Brigade, Chitral Relief Force (mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 15 November 1895]; Medal with clasp); Orderly Officer to General Yeatman Biggs, commanding 2nd Division, Tirah Expeditionary Force, 1897 (two clasps); was ADC to General Gatacre during the Atbara and Khartoum Campaigns, 1898; received the Medal with two clasps, was mentioned in Despatches [London Gazette, 24 May and 30 September 1898], and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order [London Gazette, 15 November 1898]: "Ronald George Brooke, Captain, 7th Hussars. In recognition of services in Egypt and the Sudan, including the Battles of Atbara and Khartoum". Insignia presented by the Queen at Windsor 1 December 1898. He was also ADC to General Gatacre when the latter was commanding the Eastern District. He served in the South African War, 1899-1902, as ADC on the Staff to Lieutenant General Sir George White, and DAAG to Elliot's Division from February 1902, and employed with the South African Light Horse. He was present in the operations in Natal, 1899, including the action at Elandslaagte (severely wounded), and at the Defence of Ladysmith; operations in Orange River Colony, January to 31 May 1902; operations in Cape Colony, December 1901, to January 1902. He was mentioned in Despatches by Sir George White 2 December 1899; by Sir Redvers Buller 19 June and 9 November 1900 [London Gazette, 8 February 1901]; received the Queen's Medal with seven clasps, the King's Medal with two clasps, and was given the Brevet of Major. He served in East Africa from 1902 to 1904, in Somaliland, on the Staff, as DAAG, Lines of Communication, Obbia Force, from 16 January 1903. He was mentioned in Despatches by Brigadier General Manning 17 August 1903, and Sir C Egerton 30 May 1904 [London Gazette, 2 September 1904]; received the Medal with two clasps, and was given the Brevet of Lieutenant Colonel 1 July 1904. He retired 13 June 1908, with the rank of Colonel. In the European War Colonel Brooke commanded the 12th Reserve Cavalry Regiment. He was given a CBE in 1919. He married in 1908, Haller, daughter of Orville Horwitz, of Baltimore, Maryland, formerly wife of C A C Ponsonby, whom she divorced in 1907.
Source: DSO recipients (VC and DSO Book)

This QSA to Brook sold last night for £1040.

I was driving back home from Yorkshire last night and called into Warwick Service just before the end time of the auction to place a last minute (last second?) bid. My plans went awry however when my phone failed to connect to eBay in the minutes before the auction finished. In the end it didn't matter as the hammer price reached 4 figures which is one more that I had set as my limit

Group to Cpl W F Connett, 5th Lancers


Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (5) Eland DoL OFS Belf CC (copy) (3986 Corpl. F. Connett, 5/Lcrs.)
KSA (2) (3986 Corpl. W. F. Connett, 5th Lancers)

DNW say "Walter Frederick Connett was born in Exeter, Devon. A Moulder by occupation, he attested for General Service Cavalry at London on 11 December 1891, aged 20 years, 5 months. Posted to the 5th Lancers, he served in India, September 1892-March 1898. He extended his service in November 1898 so as to complete 12 years with the Colours. Served in South Africa, March 1898-September 1902. With copied service papers and roll extracts - ‘Cape Colony’ clasp not confirmed."