Three: Private T. F. L. de Reuck, 4th, late 5th South African Infantry, killed in action, France, 24 March 1918

1914-15 Star (Pte., 5th Infantry); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte., 4th S.A.I.); Memorial Plaque (Thomas Frederick Lambert de Reuck) nearly extremely fine (4)

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Late Bruce C Cazel Collection of British Campaign Awards.

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Thomas Frederick Lambert de Reuck was born in Knysna in 1893. A Chauffeur by occupation, he attested for the 5th (Kaffrarian Rfles) Infantry on 25 August 1915, having previously served in the Cape Light Horse. He was discharged on 7 June 1915. He then attested into the South African Signal Company, Royal Engineers on 26 August 1915 and disembarked in France on 21 April 1916 whilst serving with the 1st South African Cable Section. In October 1917 he was transferred to the 3rd South African Infantry and on 27 January 1918 was slightly wounded in action. In February 1918 De Reuck was transferred to the 4th South African Infantry and joined ‘A’ Company as a Signaller. On 24 March 1918 he was posted as ‘missing in action’; it was later accepted that he had been killed on or about this date. Aged 24 years at the time of his death and having no known grave, his name is commemorated on the Pozieres Memorial. He was the son of Mr and Mrs D. W. de Reuck of 5 St. Paul Road, East London, Cape Province. With an original photograph of the Pozieres Memorial Cross and copied service papers.