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Here is a recent find. This gold fob is neatly inscribed " Presented by the Star Of Freedom Lodge 3020 to Bro. J. A. Robertson on his return from South Africa 1902 ". I'm guessing but have no proof that he was returning from the Boer War but so far have drawn a blank with further research. My first thought was Masonic, but this is not a masonic lodge as 3020 Lodge was established 1904. I think GUOF may be Grand Union of Oddfellows but have got no further. Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated.
Paul

Hello Paul.....

Yes I also think that it is OddFellows medallion but a Lodge level only item and not a OddFellows general piece.....

Mike

Hi Mike, If I'm not mistaken and my memory serves me well. Brother Robertson was part of the Christian Brothers from Ireland (although there were some from England and indeed SA itself). The Christian Brothers had quite a strong connection to the Boer War. In my time at a CBC school in SA in the 60's, we used to do cadets and marched carrying Lee Enfield rifles from the Boer War and I remember my principal Brother Wise, telling me the story of their involvement. Sadly I don't remember much more but I hope this may help.

There was an Oddfellows' Loyal Star Of Freedom lodge in Newport, South Wales, up to at least 1895.

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