A fine Boer War D.C.M. group of six awarded to Major G. A. M. Praed, 5th Light Infantry, Indian Army, late South Wales Borderers and East Kent Regiment

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (5845 Cpl. G. A. M. Praed, 2/E. Kent Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Transvaal (2nd Lieut., 2/S. Wales Bord.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (2nd Lieut., 2/S. Wales Bord.); Natal 1906, clasp, 1906 (Lt., 5th Light. Inf. Regt. Indian Army, Natal Mtd. Rifles) naming correctly engraved in fine running script; British War and Victory Medals (Major) the style of impressed naming on the first three indicates that they may possibly be later issues, mounted for display, light contact marks, otherwise very fine or better (6) £1600-2000

D.C.M. London Gazette 27 September 1901. Mentioned in Lord Roberts’ final despatch ‘for good and meritorious service.’

Geoffrey Arthur Mackworth Praed was born on 31 December 1878, and attested for the Buffs in the name of Curtis Paull in January 1899. At the time of his attestation he was serving in the Kent Artillery Militia. He served in the ranks of the Buffs for 2 years 167 days, in the South African War with the 2nd Battalion and was wounded at Driefontein on 10 March 1900. In recognition of his good work he was granted a commission in the South Wales Borderers on 26 June 1901. He subsequently transferred to the Indian Army, becoming attached to the 5th Light Infantry. During the Natal Rebellion he served with the Natal Mounted Rifles, one of a small handful of Imperial officers to take a part in this campaign. He was promoted Major on 26 June 1916, having been appointed a Company Commander in the 5th Light Infantry the previous July. From April 1917 he was attached to the 95th (Russell’s) Infantry.