TOPIC:

I was intrigued by this QSA at DNW last week.


Picture courtesy of DNW

QSA (2) 01 02 (758 Pte. A. Ferne. Impl: Lt. Infy.)

Alfred Ferne is listed on the ILI roll (WO100/252p28 for the clasps RoL TH LN and Tr which are the usual clasps for the ILI. QSA issued 6 May 1904.

Alfred attested aged 31 on 16 November 1899 in Durban. He stated prior service in the volunteers.

He later served as a civilian dresser in the Army Veterinary Department (WO100/230p227).

His name does not appear on the ILI supplementary roll so it is curious how he ended up with these clasps on his medal.

Hello David,
It is always interesting to see medals with the top most clasp finished in that way, have you actually handed this particular medal, if so, I assume this particular medal is as issued?
Regards Frank

"Chopped ears"

Not the lightest of touches on Alfred Ferne's medal

Picture courtesy of Noble Numismatics

QSA (5) Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek, South Africa 1901 (51 Pte J.G.Middlemiss. Impl. Lt Infy.) Impressed.

James Gradon Middlemiss confirmed on nominal roll for Imperial Light Infantry, Enlisted 08Nov1899, Discharged 23Apr1901. Also confirmed on the roll for Bushveldt Carbineers.

Information from the book titled The Bushveldt Carbineers and the Pietersburg Light Horse by William (Bill) Woolmore, p236, 'Middlemiss James Gradon, Corporal No.78 (BVC): Born Berwick-on-Tweed. Previous service as Private No.51 with the Imperial Light Infantry from 8 November 1899 to 23 April 1901. He served with them right through the Natal campaign including actions at Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, and Laing's Nek. They also fought on the summit during the battle of Spion Kop. Enlisted in the BVC at Pietermaritzburg on 6 May 1901 - hotel and storekeeper, height 5'6 1/2", 11 stone 2 lbs, blue eyes, fair hair, no marks. NOK: Mrs Middlemiss, 14 Castlegate, Berwick-on-Tweed. Discharged from BVC on 17 November 1901. He qualified for the QSA medal (named to Imperial Light Infantry) with clasps Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek & SA 1901.' (this medal illustrated at Fig 46, p236 of above book)

With copy of medal roll for Imperial Light Infantry and Attestation Form for Bushveldt Carbineers.