TOPIC:

I recently purchased a QSA to Pvt. 4649 EG Mahoney 16th Lancers. His medal was "Forfeited" in 1908.
Why would that be the case. Criminal conviction?

Ramah Spring,

There are several reasons why a man might forfeit his medals. The regulations for this were set out in Army Orders and Royal Warrants. The word forfeiture appears 175 time (mostly regarding pay) in the Manual of Military Law 1907.

1. Conviction by Court Martial. The most common reason for forfeiture.
2. Desertion
3. Discharge with ignominy or misconduct
4. Imprisonment or penal servitude
5. Self-inflicted wounds
6. Fraudulent enlistment
7. Royal discretion

From p577 of the Manual of Military Law, 1907

Picture courtesy of Morton and Eden

QSA (3) Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Belfast (4473 Pte F.G. Goldsmith 16th Lancers).

Died of disease, Bloemfontein, 27 Mar 1901. No. '4547' on Casualty Roll.

SA01 listed on WO100/118p57.