I have acquired a unique QSA to 39 Superintendent W.T.S. Mark of the S.A.C.
William Stirling Thomas Mark (note the order of names)was the Chief Armourer to the SAC from August 1901 until after his three year stint with them came to an end in 1904. His QSA has the normal 5 bars associated with the S.A.C. i.e Cape Colony. Orange Free State, Transvaal and SA 1901 & 1902.
What makes his QSA extra special is that, despite having enlisted with the Corps of Armourers in 1875 and being attached to the 12th Lancers in India for 10 years (1876 - 1887), the QSA is his only entitlement and this after almost 28 years of service!
I queried this as I was quite convinced that there was something I was missing until I obtained his papers which categorically state "Application (for Long Service Medal) returned, Supt. Mark is clearly not eligible for the medal A.O. 155 of 1902 distinctly states he should have been serving with the army on June 1st 1902 which he was not."
Given his length of service he must surely be amongst those who would feel most aggrieved at only getting one gong? Especially considering the fact that he was up for an MSM in 1894 but was rejected on the basis that there were too many Armourers nominated for the award.
With the medal came a copy of his personal journal which provides insight into his trip out to South Africa in 1901 and the emotions experienced in leaving his family behind. The journal goes on until he enters the service of the SAC in Pretoria at the end of August 1901.
A splendid medal to a man who gave the military a lifetime of service. No wonder he became a beer distributor on retirement!!!
Regards
Rory
