Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Defence of Kimberley, Orange Free State (3869 Pte. J. Bolton. L.N. Lanc: Regt.) minor contact marks to edge, good very fine £160-£200

John Bolton was born in Bolton, Lancashire, around 1875. A miner, he attested at Preston for the Loyal North Lancashire Regiment on 4 January 1893, and witnessed extensive service in Ireland, India, Ceylon, and South Africa, including the Defence of Kimberley from 14 October 1899 to 15 February 1900. Besieged for 124 days and shelled from high ground on all sides, he and his comrades endured considerable hardships, exacerbated by isolation, lack of food and hostile climate. Invalided to Netley on 5 May 1900, Bolton continued to serve with the Colours until 19 August 1914, when he was discharged medically unfit.