A Fine Collection of Boer War Medals

A military O.B.E. group of three awarded to Major J. A. Kellett, Royal Engineers

The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, O.B.E. (Military) Officer’s 1st type breast badge, hallmarks for London 1919, in Garrard, London case of issue; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg (23703 Q.M. Sjt., R.E.); France, Fourth Republic, Legion of Honour, Chevalier’s breast badge, silver, silver-gilt and enamel, this with some enamel damage to reverse centre; others good very fine (3) £380-420

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Fine Collection of Boer War Medals.

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James Albert Kellett entered the Royal Engineers in 1891. Served as a Quartermaster Serjeant during the Boer War. Served in the Orange Free State, February-May 1900, including operations at Paardeberg, and actions at Poplar Grove, Driefontein, Vet River and Zand River. Also operations in Transvaal, May-June 1900, including actions near Johannesburg and Pretoria; and operations east of Pretoria, July-October 1900. For his services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901); awarded the Queen’s medal with four clasps and was promoted to Warrant Officer.

During the Great War he was granted the honorary rank of Major and awarded the O.B.E. and Legion of Honour 5th Class.

With some copied research. Note: the Legion of Honour with the group is of a later period.