The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry

Three: Sergeant A. G. Downard, 4th Regiment, South African Infantry
1914-15 Star (Pte. A. G. Downard 8th Infantry); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sjt. A. Downard. 4th S.A.I.) mounted as worn, traces of adhesive to reverse of all, very fine and better

Three: Sergeant J. E. Perkins, 4th Regiment, South African Infantry
1914-15 Star (Pte. J. E. Perkins Rand Rfls.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sjt. J. E. Perkins. 4th S.A.I.) traces of adhesive to reverse of all, very fine (6) £80-£100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 4th Regiment, South African Infantry.

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Arthur G. Downard was born in California, United States of America, around 1887, and attested for the 2nd South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 30 November 1915. His papers record 14 years of previous service with the Transvaal Senior Cadets, Witwatersrand Rifles and Transvaal Scottish - with whom he served in German South West Africa. Posted to France from 25 July 1916 to 14 April 1917, his active service was ended by a severe gunshot wound to the face whilst serving with the 4th Regiment. Evacuated to hospital in Richmond, his medical records later state: ‘Progress favourable, up and about’. He was discharged at Maitland on 5 June 1919.

John Edward Perkins was born in Devon in 1890 and attested for the 3rd South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 23 August 1915. Posted to Egypt on 12 January 1916, and France from 5 December 1916, his service record states that he was wounded in action on five occasions: July 1916, gunshot wound right shoulder; 1 March 1917, unknown injury; April 1917, gunshot wound right arm; September 1917, gunshot wound right thigh; and October 1918, gunshot wound right side, ‘penetrating’. Perkins survived the war and was discharged from the 4th Regiment at Maitland on 25 May 1919.

Sold with copied service records for both recipients.