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George Herbert Riley

3rd Class Trooper, South African Constabulary

- Queens South Africa Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 & 1902

George Riley story started on 15 November 1874 with the marriage of his father, John Riley, to his mother Margaret Anne Clough at St. Pauls Church in Bury, Lancaster. John Riley was a 23 year old Cotton Spinner by trade resident at Redfern’s Yard whilst his bride to be was 21 and resident in Bell Lane. Neither seems to have been literate as their “mark” was affixed to the marriage certificate in place of a signature.

George came into the world at Earlestown seven years later, on 4 March 1881 and, at the time of the Census was a mere 1 month old. The family had moved to 14 Market Street in Newton, Lancashire. The family’s fortunes seem to have improved with John now a Greengrocer.

Ten years later during the 1891 census the family were still at the same address. George was now 10 and had been joined by a sibling, Charles William, aged 6. The next ten years were hard ones for the little family – John Riley passed away at a relatively young leaving his wife to provide for what was now a much larger family with the addition of Mary, Annie, Ernest, Nellie, Joseph and Emily to the two children already to hand. The 1901 census showing that 20 year old George was a Railway Carter by occupation and that the now large family were living at 60 Brook Street, Ashton under Lyne.

Possibly to get away from it all at home George Riley decided to volunteer for service with the South African Constabulary on 22 August 1901. By this time the Anglo Boer War had been raging since October 1899 and, despite the conventional side of things being over the Boers had other ideas and intensified their guerrilla campaign through the use of small, highly mobile packs who would attack the extended and exposed British Lines of Communication and transport columns before disappearing back into the twilight. The S.A.C. was a para-military force designed for use in war conditions as mounted troops whilst simultaneously having to conduct more police -like duties as well.

Completing the Attestation Forms at the King’s Court Recruiting Office in Westminster Riley provided his address as 60 Brook Street, Ashton under Lyne. He was now 21 years old and 5 feet 6 inches tall, weighed 11 stone and had a dark complexion, brown eyes and blackish hair. He provided, as referees, Dr Hughes of Lakeford House and the London and North Western Railway Company. By occupation he was a Horse Driver. Initially he gave his next of kin as his uncle, Police Constable Silas Clough before changing it that of his mother, Margaret (whose name he spelt incorrectly...)

Riley, claiming to be able to ride and shoot but not swim, was duly found Fit for service. He was assigned no. B378 and the rank of 3rd Class Trooper.

His three year adventure with the S.A.C. was underway or was it? Despite a clean Defaulter’s Sheet Riley was, on 29 January 1903, found to be unsuitable for police duties and discharged from the force. Having been found Medically Fit for discharge one can only surmise that some or other problem must have been brought to the attention of his superiors - strange then that his character was rated as Very Good. He was allowed to claim service of 1 year 248 days and his return address was 174 Catherine Street, Ashton under Lyne.

For his efforts in B Division of the S.A.C. Riley was awarded the QSA Medal with clasps Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 and 1902. These clasps over the years came adrift from the medal which was found in a house clearance in Surrey.

The 1911 census has Margaret Riley still living in Ashton under Lyne but at 65 Burlington Street. Ernest, Dorah, Joseph and Emily are with her.

Hi Rory
I continue being amazed at the comprehensive write-ups of your medals!!

Keep it up.

Henk

Many thanks for your kind words Henk.

Chaps like you serve as an inspiration to amateur collectors like myself.

Regards

Rory