TOPIC:

Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (1) Elandslaagte (203 Gnr: E. H. Hutchins. Natal F. Arty:)
[1914-15 Star trio]

Provenance: Spink, December 1983.

E H Hutchins initially served with the Natal Field Artillery during the Boer War, before transferring to the Natal Mounted Rifles and Border Horse (additionally entitled to the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps). He subsequently served during the Great War as a Quarter Master Sergeant in Botha’s Scouts.

Edgar Herbert George Hutchins was born 25 August 1876.

He is not listed on the NFA nominal roll.

He served as a Private in the Border Horse between 23 February 1900 to 5 June 1900. Discharged for family reasons. He earned Witt and CC clasps.

Next, he served as 449 Trooper in the NMR between 12 August 1901 and the end of the war. He is listed on the supplementary roll for SA01. A duplicate medal was issued by the NMR and returned. SA02 is clearly struck out on the NMR supplementary toll.

At some point he served as an agent in the FID. KSA (2) from the FID won WO100/355p83.

He married Hester Helena Van Niekerk on 2 February 1903 at St Andrew & St Michael Anglican Church, Bloemfontein. He died 18 November 1927 and was buried in Bloemfontein.

His group has been complete in the past:

QSA (1), KSA (2) (Agent FID), 1914/15 Star (Sgt Botha’s Scouts), BWM, VM (QMS Botha’s Scouts and MTC). Spink December 1983.

Liverpool Medals sold QSA (1) in June 1986 for £65.

MTC is Motor Transport Corps?

Miscellaneous Trades Company

It is a great shame his group has been split up. Who would do that?

Picture courtesy of Noble Numismatics

QSA (3) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (174 Dvr: H.Easterbrook. Natal F. Arty:) Impressed. Extremely fine.

Driver H. Easterbrook confirmed on medal roll of Natal Field Artillery. Served 30 September 1899 to 31 May 1902.

His KSA entry has a cross against it.

From Burman, March 1999,

BSACM Rhodesia 1896 (0) (Sgt B.T.Carson R.H.V.);
QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (Gnr B.T.Carson Natal F Arty)

£265

In pursuit of the enemy
The Natal Field Artillery preparing to move forward

Source: Under the Union Jack, Vol II