Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The Boer War pair awarded to Squadron Corporal-Major L. V. Popkiss, 2nd Life Guards, later Ayrshire Yeomanry and a Captain in the R.A.F., and afterwards a Yeoman of the Guard

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Wittebergen (1940, Cpl. L. V. Popkiss, 2/L. Gds.); Army L.S. & G.C., G.V.R., 1st issue (1940 Sq. Cpl. Mjr: L. V. Popkiss. 2/L. Gds.) the first polished with edge bruising and contact marks, better than good fine, the second very fine (2) £260-£300

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Yeomen of the Guard formed by Lieutenant-Colonel Paul Denny.

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Lionel Victor Popkiss was born at Dover, Kent, on 15 August 1874, son of a Trinity Pilot. He attested for the 2nd Life Guards at Hyde Park on 7 May 1894, aged 19, and described his trade as ‘traveller’. He was appointed Lance-Corporal in May 1898 and promoted Corporal in November 1900. He served in South Africa from December 1899 to November 1900, and received the Queen’s Medal with 6 clasps. Advanced to Corporal of Horse in May 1902, he was employed on signalling duties at the Coronation of Edward VII. He was promoted to Squadron Corporal-Major in March 1909 and received his L.S. & G.C. medal in 1912.

He transferred to the Permanent Staff of the Ayrshire Yeomanry in November 1913 and served with that unit during the Great War, in Gallipoli from 27 August 1915 to 2 January 1916, and afterwards at Mudros and Egypt until May 1916, when he returned home. He was discharged to a commission as 2nd Lieutenant in the 3/1st Ayrshire Yeomanry 22 May 1916, serving in Egypt until January when his unit was disbanded and formed into 12th Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers, seeing service in Palestine. He was seconded for service with the Royal Air Force in July 1918 and resigned his commission on 23 March 1921, being granted the rank of Captain.

Popkis was appointed to the Yeomen of the King’s Body Guard on 5 July 1920, his record of service noting that he was twice mentioned in despatches, in 1917 and 1919. His 1914-15 Star trio was issued in November 1923. He died in 13 December 1952, having been the proprietor of the Lion Hotel Garage at Dulverton, Somerset.

Sold with copied discharge papers and other research.