Group of 3: Queen’s South Africa Medal 1899-1902, 4 Clasps: Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal; (3962 S-STH: J. MILNE, 12: R: LANCERS); King’s South Africa Medal 1901-1902, 2 Clasp: South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; (3962 CPL. SHG:-STH: J. MILNE. 12TH LANCERS.); Royal Humane Society Lifesaving Medal in Bronze for a Successful Act, 2nd type; (J. MILNE 12TH: LANCERS. SEP: 18. 1901.)
If anyone knows the location of Milne's Army LSGC (GV), please contact me as I would like to reunite the group.
John R. Milne was born in Newcastle upon Tyne, Northumberland, and worked as a labourer. He had served in the 3rd Militia Battalion, Northumberland Fusiliers, before attesting for regular service with the British Army on 6 January 1896. He joined the 12th Royal Lancers as a Private (No.3962) on 15 January at Ballincollig. He was appointed to Shoeing Smith on 19 July 1899, He was posted to South Africa from 22 October 1899, and was present at the relief of Kimberley on 15 February 1900, and at Paardeberg from 17 to 26 February 1900, and then at Driefontein on 10 March 1900. He also served on operations in the Transvaal.
While on active service in South Africa, he saved the life of a fellow soldier in the 12th Lancers while crossing the Oliphant’s River at Arnold’s Drift in the Transvaal on 18 September 1901. He was awarded the Royal Humane Society Lifesaving Medal in Bronze for a Successful Act, Case No.31801. It was published in the Society Report and he was awarded the medal on 29 March 1902. The citation reads: ‘On the 18th September 1901, Trooper South, of the same regiment, got into difficulty whilst crossing the Oliphant’s River at Arnold’s Drift, in the Transvaal. Milne, at great risk, went to his help and managed to land him in safety.’
He was promoted to Shoeing-Smith Corporal on 31 August 1902, Milne was then posted with his regiment to India from 22 September 1902, and was was promoted to Sergeant Farrier on 13th November 1909 while still serving in India. He was posted back to South Africa from 24 October 1910. He was promoted to Farrier-Staff Sergeant on 13 November 1912, before being posted home on 9 January 1913. Milne was serving with ‘A’ Squadron when he was hospitalized at Norwich on 2 February 1914, because of a corneal burn in his eye, (presumably obtained from having accidentally stared at the sun). His condition was deemed serious and it affected his sight. Milne was awarded the Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in Army Orders No.412 of 1914, before being discharged on 6 May 1914. He was not recalled for the Great War.
