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Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (Br: H. Wood. Natal Vol: Amb: C.)

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QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (2895 Pte. A. Berry, Scot: Rifles)

Verified on WO100/182p223. Regimental number 2995 on the roll.

No explanation for the single clasp.

No service papers.

DNW say 'A. Berry attested for the Scottish Rifles and served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War. The Battalion distinguished itself during the attack on Spion Kop, 24 January 1900, and in his telegraphic despatch of 27 January 1900 General Buller said: ‘Our men fought with great gallantry, and I would specially mention the conduct of the 2nd Scottish Rifles and 3rd King’s Royal Rifles, who supported the attack on the mountain from the steepest side, ands in each case fought their way to the top.’'

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QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (81082 Farr. Sjt. T. Fordham, 14th Bty., R.F.A.) official correction to rank;
Army LS&GC EdVII (818902 F.Q.M. Sjt: T. Fordham. R.F.A.)

Thomas Fordham was born in the Parish of Sewin, near Hertford, and attested for the Royal Field Artillery in London on 20 October 1890, aged 18 years 1 month, a farrier by trade.

He served in India from September 1893 to November 1898, and in South Africa from 23 October 1899 to 3 March 1900. He was wounded at Colenso on 15 December 1899.

LS&GC awarded in Army Order 73 of 1910.

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QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (4533 Pte P. Murphy. Gordon Highrs:).

Peter Murphy was born at St Michaels, Gateshead, Durham in 1874, the son of Agnes Murphy of 24 Askew Road, Durham.

Enlisting with the Gordon Highlanders having previously worked as a Miner, he was posted to 2nd Battalion. He joined the regiment in India on 24 May 1894, joining 1st Battalion shortly afterwards on 25 September. Returning to 2nd Battalion on 11 September 1898 Murphy remained in India until they were posted to South Africa he arrived on 22 November.

He was transferred to Britain on 9 April 1900 and was invalided from the service on 21 August, Murphy returned to his home in Wallsend, Newcastle.

On the roll (WO100/213p414) with initial A

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QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (2807 Pte T. O'Neil, W. Yorkshire Regt)

Thomas O'Neil was born at Leeds, Yorkshire in 1872. Enlisting on 7 November 1890 having previously served with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, West Yorkshire Regiment O'Neil was posted to the West Indies with 2nd Battalion on 24 February 1892, remaining there until 12 April 1894 being posted to 1st Battalion when back in Britain on 19 May. Posted to Gibraltar from 9 January 1895-8 October 1896 travelling on to Hong Kong, arriving on 9 October 1896 before moving again to Singapore, arriving on New Year's Day 1898. Returning to Britain on 5 April of that year O'Neil transferred to the Army Reserve, remaining with them until 9 October 1899 when he was reembodied for service in the Second Boer War.

Arriving in South Africa on 20 October he served during the relief of Ladysmith and was wounded in action 2 days before the Battle of Spion Kop at Spearman's Camp on 21 January 1900. Leaving South Africa on 8 November 1900 O'Neil was again transferred to the Reserve on 30 April 1902 and was finally discharged on 3 November 1906.

He lived at 37 Spring Close Street, Leeds

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (1) Relief of Ladysmith (5602 Pte. J. Rothwell, R. Lanc: Regt.)

John Rothwell served with the Royal Lancaster Regiment during the Boer War and was mortally wounded at the Battle of Spion Kop on 24 January 1900. He died of those wounds at Durban aboard the Simla on 2 May 1900.