TOPIC:

djb wrote: An odd way to mount a KSA.

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (5) Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (6127 Pte. C. Feeney. 1st Connaught Rang:);
KSA (2) (6127 Pte. C. Feeney. Conn: Rang:)

Charles Feeney was born at Cloonacool, Tubbercurry, Sligo in 1897 and was a labourer by trade upon his joining the Connaught Rangers at Sligo on 28 June 1897. He served with his unit during the Boer War and was wounded on 23 February 1900 at Hart's Hill.

In the attack on Hart's Hill the assault was delivered by the Inniskillings, the Rangers, and part of the Dublins. That day the Battalion lost 7 Officers wounded, 19 men killed and over 100 wounded. Four officers were 'mentioned' in General Buller's despatch of 30 March 1900, and 3 men were recommended for the Distinguished Conduct Medal.

Feeney was clearly a troubled character, perhaps some effects of his wounds suffered in action for his conduct was far below par. He was tried on several occasions and was eventually discharged with ignominy in November 1903, a notation being made that his Medals should be forfeited.

Indeed David. On a similar note I can't understand why so many KSAs are seen on sale, particularly at auction, with the ribbon the wrong way round. Surely the previous custodian must have been sufficiently clued up to realise it's not right?

Khedive's Sudan medals (1896 version) are almost always shown the wrong way round with the reverse (shield and arms) as the obverse too. British Battles and Medals gets it right but most don't.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

SAGS (1) 1877-8-9 (1275 Corpl. M. J. Kenny. 88th. Foot.);
QSA (6) Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, last clasp a tailor’s copy (Qr. Mr. M. J. Kenny. 1st. Connaught Rang:)

Together with the related miniature awards, the clasps on the QSA mounted in the order TH, RoL, T, OFS, CC, SA01, the miniatures mounted as worn.

Michael James Kenny was born in Adelaide, South Australia, in 1856, the son of Sergeant Major Peter Kenny, 11th Foot, and attested for the 88th Regiment of Foot on 2 April 1877. He served with the Regiment in South Africa from 17 June 1877 to 2 October 1879, and took part in both the Kaffir and Zulu Wars. Proceeding to India on 3 October 1879, where he was stationed until 5 November 1890, he was advanced Warrant Officer on 25 December 1889, and saw further service in Aden from 6 November 1890 to 15 December 1891.

Kenny was commissioned Quartermaster on 11 March 1896, and served in South Africa during the Beor War from 11 November 1899 to 2 Mach 1901, being present at the Relief of Ladysmith, including the action at Colenso; the actions at Spion Kop and Vaal Krantz; the operations at Tugela Heights and the action at Pieters Hill; and operations in the Orange Free State, in the Transvaal, and in the Cape Colony.

Returning to the UK on 3 March 1901, Kenny’s final appointment was as Quartermaster at the School of Training for Mounted Infantry at Aldershot from 10 December 1901 to 10 December 1906.