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Picture courtesy of DNW

Transport Medal (1) S. Africa 1899-1902 (A. Freer.);
1914-15 Star (Lt. Commr. A. Freer. R.N.R.);
British War and Victory Medals (Commr. A. Freer. R.N.R.;
Royal Naval Reserve Decoration GV, the reverse hallmarked London 1918

Alfred Freer was born at Portsmouth, Hampshire, on 4 January 1874. He joined the merchant service with the Allan Line, obtaining his Extra Master’s Certificate in December 1897, and served during the South African War of 1899-1902 as executive 2nd officer aboard the S.S. Bavarian.

He joined the Royal Naval Reserve as a Sub-Lieutenant on 13 April 1904; Lieutenant, 8 July 1907; Lieutenant-Commander, 8 July 1915; Commander 30 June 1919. Still serving with the Allan Line on a variety of vessels in the period prior to the outbreak of war, Freer was appointed to the Alsatian on 8 August 1914, for active service, and served in that vessel until demobilised on 26 September 1919. He was awarded the Royal Naval Reserve Decoration on 23 June 1919, and was promoted to Captain (Retired) on 30 June 1924.

Sold for a hammer price of £1,000. Totals (inc VAT on the commission for the UK only): £1,288. R25,900. Au$2,200. Can$2,200. US$1,700.