Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith (26036 Gnr: H. J. Roberts. R.H.A.) good very fine £70-£90

Horace James Roberts was born in Islington in 1878 and attested for the Royal Artillery at Woolwich on 9 February 1898. Initially posted as Gunner to India with the Royal Horse Artillery, he served with “A” Battery in South Africa from 8 January 1900 to 27 August 1900, and is confirmed upon his Army Service record as present at the Relief of Ladysmith. Returned home to England, Roberts transferred as Private to the 2nd Life Guards on 4 April 1901, and subsequently suffered from scarlet fever that same month,and then colic the following year. Transferring to the Army Reserve 26 April 1906, he re-engaged for a further four years at Hyde Park Barracks and was finally discharged upon termination of his engagement on 8 February 1914. He later served in France with the 2nd Life Guards from 13 August 1915 to 13 October 1915, before returning to London and appointment as Acting Corporal of Horse from 8 September 1916. Roberts was finally released from the Life Guards in August 1923, his character noted as ‘exemplary’.

Sold with copied service record.