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Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (3) (Relief of Mafeking, Orange Free State, Transvaal (1427 Dr. W. Gelder. M Bty., R.H.A.)

W. Gelder died of disease at Pretoria on 1 February 1901.

SA01 indicated on WO100/144p205 but possibly not issued, RHA attached to No 21 Local Ammunition Column.

Picture courtesy of Noonan's

QSA (3) Relief of Mafeking, Orange Free State, Transvaal (76122 Dvr: W. Instone, M’ Bty: R.H.A.) vertical scratches to Monarch’s profile

William Instone was born in Birmingham in 1871. A groom by profession, he attested at Woolwich for the Royal Artillery on 13 December 1889, serving with “M” Battery in India for 6 years and South Africa from 17 February 1900 to 28 October 1901. This unit was the only Royal Horse Artillery Battery to take part in the Relief of Mafeking.

Verified on WO100/139p78

The medal to Driver Instone sold for a hammer price of GBP 460. Totals: GBP 592. R 13,140. AUD 1,090. NZD 1,180. CAD 980. USD 710. EUR 650

John Baker was born in Westminster, London, in 1869 and attested for the Royal Artillery on 31 July 1888, aged 19. He worked as a butcher and had prior service in the 4th Bedfordshire Regiment. His parents, brother and sister lived in New Barnet. He had a fresh complexion, grey eyes and brown hair. He reported a linear scar across the palm of his left hand (the dangers of a butcher perhaps?). He initially served as a driver and was promoted to Gunner on 15 May 1893. After two years of home service he was in India for 6 years. He was convicted of stealing in 1891. Close to the end of his service he received another conviction, returning to duty in February 1896 before being transferred to the Army Reserve on 1 May 1896.

He was recalled for service on 18 December 1899 and given the rank of Gunner. He travelled to South Africa on 17 February 1900 and was immediately involved in the relief of Mafeking with M Battery, RHA. He earned the clasps RoM, OFS and Tr but succumbed to disease and died 18 July 1900 in Pretoria.

There has been an attempt to erase the surname from the medal or very severe rubbing.

I saw a Relief of Mafeking bar medal for Cpl H A Timony Imperial light Horse sold on ebay last week too for £645 - link below


Ebay item no - 256285215468

Recently acquired 58438 GNR. T. (Thomas) Wilson, M' BTY: R.H.A. QSA in a very small rural town in Arizona. I was pleased to see it came from Spink's 1999 Anglo-Boer War Anniversary Auction. (Lot X694, page 185.). The description states it is officially renamed.