A scarce Boer War D.C.M. group of seven awarded to Battery Sergeant Major A. A. Hawkins, Duke of Connaught’s Own Hampshire and Isle of Wight Militia Artillery

Distinguished Conduct Medal, E.VII.R. (34484 C: Sjt: Maj: A. A. Hawkins. 2 Hants. I. Of W. A.V.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (34484 C.S. Major. A. Hawkins. Hants: & I. Of W. R.G.A.); 1914-15 Star (500 B. S. Mjr. A. A. Hawkins. R.F.A.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oak leaves (500 W.O. Cl. 2. A. A. Hawkins. R.A.); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (34484 Coy Sejt Major A. A. Hawkins, R.G.A.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 3rd issue, coinage head (C.S. Major A. A. Hawkins. D.C.M. R.A.) mounted for wear, generally very fine or better (7) £1,400-£1,800

D.C.M. London Gazette 31 October 1902. The original recommendation states:

‘Has contributed greatly to the excellent behaviour and good work that has marked this Company. Special good service in charge of native working parties on the defences of Fort Scwarzkop.’

M.I.D. London Gazette 31 October 1917 [Aden].

Andrew Arnold Hawkins was born in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in January 1865. He attested for the Royal Artillery at Gosport in August 1882. Hawkins advanced to Bombardier in September 1885, and to Corporal in June 1889. He served in India, September 1883 - November 1888 (entitled to I.G.S. 1854-95, with ‘Burma 1885-87’ clasp). Hawkins advanced to Sergeant, and transferred to the Permanent Staff of the Duke of Connaught’s Own Hampshire and Isle of Wight Militia Artillery in September 1892. Hawkins advanced to Company Sergeant Major in December 1896, and served with his unit in South Africa, May 1901 - August 1902. He was discharged, 28 February 1907, after 24 years service.

Hawkins re-engaged for service with the 1/4th Hants (Howitzer) Battery, R.F.A. in April 1908, and advanced to Acting Battery Sergeant Major in October 1914. He served in India, October 1914 - August 1915, and with the Royal Field Artillery in the Persian theatre of operations from 10 September 1915. Hawkins transferred to the 2/2nd Wessex Brigade, Royal Field Artillery in September 1916. He was discharged due to sickness, 23 August 1917 (entitled to Silver War Badge), and died in Kent in February 1944.

Sold with extensive copied service papers and research, and a photographic image of recipient in uniform.