Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 unofficial rivets between action and date clasps (2261 Pte. J. Hesketh, R: Lanc: Regt.) good very fine £100-140

John Hesketh was born in Oldham, Lancashire, in 1869, and attested for the Royal Lancaster Regiment at Lancaster on 22 December 1887, having previously served in the 3rd (Militia) Battalion. He served with the 2nd Battalion in India from December 1889 until February 1896, and transferred to the Reserve on 3 March of that year. Recalled to the Colours for service during the Boer War on 11 November 1899, he served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa from 3 December 1899. Arriving back home on 4 January 1901, he was discharged at Lancaster the following day, after 13 years and 15 days’ service.

Note: Hesketh’s service papers give his medallic entitlement as the Queen’s South Africa Medal with the first five clasps only; in view of his date of discharge it is most unlikely that he is entitled to either of the date clasps.