Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Ladysmith (5330 Pte. H. Tappenden, Rifle Brigade) minor edge bruising, good very fine £140-£180

Henry Tappenden was born in Hackney, London, in 1879 and attested for the 5th (Militia) Battalion, Rifle Brigade at Dalston, London, on 10 August 1897. He transferred to the Regular Army at Woolwich on 9 October 1897, and served with the 2nd Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 2 October 1899 to 12 November 1900. Promoted Corporal on 8 January 1903, he transferred to the Reserve on 16 October 1903, and was discharged on 8 October 1909, after 12 years’ service.

Following the outbreak of the Great War Tappenden re-enlisted in the Rifle Brigade, and served as a Sergeant on the Western Front from 21 May 1915, twice being wounded in action, before transferring to the 885th Area Employment Company, Labour Corps, with whom he was advanced to Company Quartermaster Sergeant. He was discharged to Class ‘Z” Reserve on 23 July 1919. For his services during the Great War he was awarded the French Medaille d’Honour with swords (London Gazette 15 December 1919).

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