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Picture courtesy of Spink

IGS 1895 (3) Relief of Chitral 1895, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (4275 Pte. H. W. Collier. 1st Bn. Gord: Highrs.), unofficial rivet between first and second clasps;
QSA (4) Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing's Nek, Belfast (4275 Pte. H. Collier, Gordon Highrs:);
KSA (2) (4275 Pte. H. Collier. Gordon Highrs:)

William Collier was born at Hackney, London, Middlesex in 1873 and attested at London on 4 July 1892. Posted to India from 29 January 1893 he saw heavy action with his Battalion including the Tirah expedition which doubtless saw him in action at the famous Battle of Dargai. As such he was doubtless witness to- and inspired by- the actions of Piper George Findlater who was awarded the Victoria Cross for continuing to play the pipes despite a disabling wound to his thigh.

They were transferred to South Africa on 22 September 1899 just prior to the outbreak of the Anglo-Boer War. As such Collier was in Natal when hostilities commenced and was one of the Battalions which took part in the Battle of Elandslaagte in October 1899. This proved one of the most decisive of the British victories in South Africa, with the 2nd Gordons storming the hill of Elandslaagte, they were forced back initially but counter attacked, catching the Boers out of position and wiping them out.

Collier was present for the Defence of Ladysmith where the Battalion took part in the bloody fighting over Waggon Hill on 6 January 1900. Continuing to serve until the end of the war, he left South Africa on 19 August 1902, returning to Britain. There he was court-marshalled and imprisoned, transferring to the Army Reserve on 19 February 1903, finally being discharged on 3 July 1904.

Picture courtesy of Aubrey's

QSA (4) Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Transvaal (4465 Pte. R. Graham, 5/ Lers.);
KSA (2) (4465 Pte. R. Graham, 5th Lancers).

The Spink sale is upon us. The pre-bidding for the single clasp Elandslaagte to Pte George, GH has already pushed the bid to £1,700 so it will be fascinating to see if this goes any further.

The QSA went under the hammer. It sold for a hammer price of GBP 1,700. Totals (inc VAT UK only): GBP 2,108. R47,500. Au$4,160. Can$3,810. US$2,730.