A Boer War D.S.O. group of three awarded to Major H. J. V. Phillips, 3rd Battalion, South Wales Borderers

Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, with integral top ribbon bar adapted for mounting; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Capt. H. J. V. Phillips. S. Wales. Bord.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Cpt. H. J. V. Phillips. D.S.O. S.W. Bdrs.) mounted ‘Cavalry’ style as worn and contained in a led leather Spink & Son Ltd fitted case, extremely fine (3) £2,000-£2,400

D.S.O. London Gazette 27 September 1901: ‘In recognition of services during operations in South Africa.’

Henry Jacon Vaughan Phillips was born in 1868, son of Mr Cambridge Phillips, magistrates’ clerk for the Defynoch Division of Breconshire, and author of the standard work on the birds of Breconshire. Henry was educated at Brecon College, joined the 3rd South Wales Borderers Militia in November 1886, and served until he was appointed superintendent water bailiff in May 1909. He served in the South African War of 1899-1902 as Acting Intelligence Officer. He also performed the duties of Transport Officer. Captain Jacob was present at the operations in the Orange Free State from April to May 1900; operations in Orange River Colony between May and 29 November 1900; operations in Cape Colony in 1900; operations in the Transvaal from May 1901 to January 1902; operations in the Orange River Colony from 30 November 1900 to March 1901; and operations in Cape Colony from April to May 1901, and January to February 1902. He was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901); received the Queen's Medal with three clasps; the King's Medal with two clasps, and was created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. The Insignia were presented by the King on 2 June 1902. Major Phillips died on 6 May 1914, aged 46 years.