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Hello Chris,

I have done quite a bit of research into the Dundee tribute and there are one or two things about this example that give me pause for thought.

The Dundee medal was unusual in that it was presented on departure rather than return. As you will probably be aware, Payne's service records indicate that he left for South Africa on 21 Oct 1899, long before the idea of a Dundee medal had been mooted. After serving in South Africa, he sailed with his regiment directly to India, and on completion of military service settled in South Africa. So, I'm not sure when a presentation would have taken place.

As far as I am aware the Dundee medals were given pretty much exclusively to members of the three Volunteer Active Service Companies, the Cyclist Company and a few men who volunteered for service with the R.A.M.C. The exceptions are the two presentations to Militia officers. I have seen no evidence to suggest that any regulars received the gift.

As David points out these medals were issued unnamed. The suspension is also atypical.

Neville

Good Evening Neville
Thanks for taking the time and trouble to reply.
I was aware that a tribute medal had been awarded by the city of Dundee (in common with quite a few other towns etc) but no more than that.
I had no idea of the criteria etc
So when I started even cursory research I quickly came to doubt whether James Payne was a legitimate recipient.
The information in his service papers which you have alluded to appears to remove any doubt.
But I was/still am intrigued. Someone has clearly gone to some trouble to mount and name this medal. I doubt it was James Payne himself although the suspension and naming to my eyes does have quite a bit of age.
The only conclusion I can come to is that it was in all probability done to deceive and thus increase the potential sale value. In actual fact if that was the case then it has backfired as it has probably reduced the sale value.
And you might have thought that if that were the case then the person responsible would at least have done his research and married it to a QSA awarded to someone who was likely to have been entitled to this tribute medal.
I am still happy to have it in my small collection as wrongly named or not it is still a scarce medal.
The interest with this subject never ends does it?
Many thanks again
Chris