| Places | |
|---|---|
| Accession Number | REL/08979.002 |
| Collection type | Heraldry |
| Object type | Medal |
| Physical description | Silver |
| Maker |
de Saulles, George William |
| Place made | United Kingdom |
| Date made | c 1902 |
| Conflict |
South Africa, 1899-1902 (Boer War) |
Queen's South Africa Medal : Private H A Mears, Queensland Imperial Bushmen
Description
Queen's South Africa Medal with clasps 'TRANSVAAL', 'ORANGE FREE STATE' and 'CAPE COLONY'. Engraved (partially erased) around edge with recipent's details. Obverse: The crowned and veiled head of Queen Victoria and the legend 'VICTORIA REGINA ET IMPERATRIX' around the rim. Reverse: Britannia with a flag in her left hand holding out a laurel wreath towards an advancing party of soldiers. In the background are two warships. The wreath in Britannia's hand points to the letter 'F' in the word 'AFRICA'. Around the top are the words 'SOUTH AFRICA'. The medal is fitted with a straight suspender and five rectangular campaign bars. Missing a piece of 32 mm red ribbon with two dark blue stripes and a broad orange central stripe.
History / Summary
Awarded for service during the Boer War between 1899 and 1902. This medal was acquired by Albert Elsdon, who had served as a private in the Durham Light Infantry, after he emigrated to Australia, to replace his lost Queen's South Africa Medal. The original recipient's name has been erased but can still be read - 239 Private Henry Archibald Mears was a member of the 5th Queensland Imperial Bushmen's Contingent.