The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 3rd Regiment, South African Infantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. pair awarded to Sergeant T. J. Badcoe, 3rd Regiment, South African Infantry, who was decorated for capturing a German pill box in Belgium on 20 September 1917

Military Medal, G.V.R. (550 Sjt: T. J. Badcoe. 3/S.A Inf:); 1914-15 Star (Pte. T. J. Badcoe 10th Infantry) traces of adhesive to reverse of both, very fine and better (2) £300-£400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 3rd Regiment, South African Infantry.

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M.M. London Gazette 14 January 1918.
The original recommendation states: ‘During the operations to [the] north of the Ypres-Zonnebeke railway on 20 September 1917, Sergeant Badcoe with a few men took part in the attack on Potsdam. He captured one of the enemy pillar boxes and showed bravery and determination throughout the operations.’

Thomas James Badcoe was born in Portsmouth in 1876, and having emigrated to South Africa witnessed initial service with the Witwatersrand Rifles and South African Constabulary before attesting for the 3rd South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 17 August 1915. Posted to Egypt on 29 December 1915, and France from 15 April 1916 to 27 November 1917, he was awarded the Military Medal for gallantry during the Battle of Passchendaele, before being sent back to England as unfit for further active military service. Disembarked at Cape Town on H.M.T. Cawdor Castle on 24 April 1919, he was demobilised at Maitland in May 1919.

Sold with copied service record and recommendation for the award.