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

Pair: Private L. H. Drury, 3rd Regiment, South African Infantry, who was killed in action during the Battle of the Somme on 16 July 1916

British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte. L. H. Drury. 3rd S.A.I.) BWM officially re-impressed on a slightly thinner flan, very fine (2) £260-£300

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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Leslie Howard Drury was born around 1898, the son of Arthur Drury of 16 Alice Road, Kensington, Johannesburg. He attested for the 3rd South African Infantry on 11 August 1915 and disembarked at Alexandria 12 January 1916. Reported as sick two weeks later, he spent a period of time in convalescence at Mustapha before rejoining his unit at Sidi Bishre on 5 April 1916. Transferred to the Western Front a short while later, Drury was killed in action whilst serving with No. 10 Platoon, “C” Company, 3rd South African Infantry. Aged 18 years, he is buried at London Cemetery and Extension, Longueval.

Sold with two fine gold Johannesburg Harriers and Athletic Club sports shields, the first hallmarked Birmingham 1914, 15ct, 8.44g, engraved to reverse ‘Juniors Club Championship. First. L. Drury.’, the second hallmarked Birmingham 1914, 15ct, 8.62g, engraved to reverse ‘Juniors Club Handicap Series. First. L. Drury.’; a matching bronze shield, engraved to reverse ‘Swimming Club. 1914-15 1st. 50 Yds Novice Handicap L. H. Drury’; the recipient’s cased Royal Life Saving Society bronze medal, engraved to reverse ‘L. Drury Feb. 1915’; together with a related family gold and enamel fob for lawn bowls, by Vaughton & Sons, hallmarked Birmingham 1926, 9ct, 13.44g, engraved to reverse ‘To Green & Seapoint Bowling Club. Championship won by E. R. Drury. 1926-27.’; and copied service record.