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Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (1) Cape Colony (848 Buglr. W. C. Shafto. D.L.I.), unofficially engraved, pawnbrokers marks to the reverse;
KSA (2) (848 Buglr. W. C. Shafto. D.L.I.).

Picture courtesy of Spink

QSA (3) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal (5053 Pte. A. Swann. Durham Lt. Infy.), unofficial rivets between top two clasps;
KSA (2) (5053 Pte. A. Swann 1st Durham Light Infy.), re-engraved naming;
1914-15 Star (No. 1006 Sergt. A. Swann. Vol. Arty. Bty.);
British War Medal 1914-20 (1006 Sgt. Albert Swann, Vol. Artly. Bty.);
Victory Medal 1914-19 (1006 Sgt. A. Swann. Vol. Arty. Bty.);
Defence Medal 1939-45;
Delhi Durbar 1911;
Jubilee 1935;
Army LS&GV GV (Serjt. A. Swann. H.E. The Govrs. Band Bo.);
Army Meritorious Service Medal, GV (B. Instr. - A. Swann, Lawrence R.M. School.);
Volunteer Force Long Service (India & the Colonies), GV (Rfmn. A. Swann, Simla Rfls. A.F.I.).

Albert Swann served initially in the Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Durham Light Infantry (Queen's Medal and 3 clasps, King's Medal & 2 clasps). He thence went out to India to forge his life and was heavily involved in the Volunteer Forces, serving in the Simla Rifles and also seeing active service with the Volunteer Artillery Battery during the Great War. Numbering some 67 men they served in the Mesopotamia campaign with the Battery - soon after arrival from India - being divided into two sections, one preceding up the Euphrates and the other up the Tigris river. Of the total Battery strength of 67, 38 became casualties: 45 of the men were taken Prisoner of War at the Fall of Kut with 18 of them dying during captivity.

Swann returned to India and forged his musical career, serving in The Governor of Bombay's Band and earning his M.S.M. with the Lawrence R.M. (Royal Music?) School.

The long service group to Pte Swann sold this morning for a hammer price of £1,700. Totals (inc VAT on the commission for the UK only): £2,540. R49,200. Au$4,180. Can$3,700. US$2,880

Picture courtesy of C&T Auctions





QSA (3) Cape Colony, Orange Free State and South Africa 1901 (6933 BUGR. W. HESLOP DURHAM LT INFY),;
Militia Long Service and Good Conduct medal Ed VII (6933 BGLR. W. HESLOP 3RD DURHAM L.I. MIL.)

The catalogue states 'William Heslop from originally from Limerick, Ireland attested for the Durham Militia as a Boy at the age of 12 giving his address as Barnard Castle. Appointed Bugler in May 1865 he kept this rank until his discharge on 13th January 1908 having reached the age limit. He served in South Africa with the 3rd Battalion between 11th January 1900 and 11th June 1901. The QSA with 3 clasps is confirmed on the roll and there is a reference to a medal presentation by His Majesty the King at Marlboro on 29th July 1901. The Award of the QSA and the Militia Long Service medal is confirmed on his discharge certificate.

William Heslop died at the age of 91 on 5th January 1943.'

Hammer price £920