Orders, Decorations and Medals

Three: Trooper A. Atkinson, Imperial Light Horse, late Duke of Edinburgh’s Own Volunteer Rifles and Matabeleland Relief Force

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (Troopr. A. Atkinson, M.R.F.); Cape of Good Hope General Service 1880-97, 1 clasp, Bechuanaland (Pte. A. Atkinson, D.E.O.V.R.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (3134 Tpr. A. Atkinson, 1/Imp. L.H.), all official late issues, circa 1909, the first with officially corrected surname, generally extremely fine and a scarce combination of awards (3)
£800-1000

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of British South Africa Company 1890-97 Medals.

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Arthur Francis Atkinson, who was born in Leeds, Yorkshire in 1863, claimed all three of his Medals & clasps in January 1909, shortly before his death in Umtali in May of the following year, aged 54 years. No better summary of his services is to be found than his own submission to the relevant authorities, as quoted from accompanying copied research:

‘This is an application for my Matabele War Medal for 1896-97. I was in the Maxim Detachment, Captain Wheeler. I joined the force in Cape Town.

There is also another Medal due me for Bechuanaland 1898 - Mounted Section, D.E.O.V.R., Captain, now Major Johnson. I joined the Signalling Staff on arrival at the Front.

There is still one more Medal due to me for part of the late Boer War - ‘B’ Squadron, 1st Imperial Light Horse, Captain Bull. I joined this force in Bulawayo.

If the two last named Medals are not in your possession, I would be glad of information as to where I might apply for them.’

On receiving the application form for his British South Africa Company’s Medal, Atkinson also stated that he had received compensation of £150 and the coach fare from Bulawayo to Mafeking, after being treated in hospital and discharged at the former place as a result of an eye injury; sold with research.