Orders, Decorations and Medals

An interesting Boer War medal issued to Private Daniel Davis, South Staffordshire Regiment, who deserted during an action at Fraserburg in 1902

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (6112 Pte. D. Davis, S. Staff. Reg.), edge bruise, otherwise nearly very fine

Private Daniel Davis together with Private G. Smith, deserted at Fraserburg on 15th May, 1902, whilst serving with the 3rd Battalion South Staffordshire Regiment (Mounted Infantry). His enlistment papers are marked 'Deserter' and the medal roll is crossed through similarly. The roll indicates that he should have been entitled to the dated clasps for 1901 and 1902 only. Unfortunately it is not recorded when his award was restored and issued. The medal to Private Smith is noted to have been restored and issued in 1939. Approximately 23 men are recorded as deserters ftom the army in South Africa during 1902.