Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Driver C. Banks, Royal Horse Artillery

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast (59965 Dvr. C. Banks, T. Bty., R.H.A.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (59965 Dvr. C. Banks. R.H.A.) edge bruising and light contact marks, nearly very fine (2) £120-£160

Charles Banks, alias Charles Spiers, was born in Aston, Birmingham, in 1869. A groom, he attested at Colchester for the Royal Artillery on 18 February 1887, being posted to “P” Battery, Royal Horse Artillery soon thereafter. His Army Service Record makes interesting reading at around this time:
‘Claimed benefits of Queen’s pardon on confession of fraudulent enlistment into R.A. while in a state of desertion from Worcestershire Regiment - wherein he served as 1389 Pte. C. Banks. Held to serve in R.A. under G.O.102 of 1887.’

Having been found out, the recipient reverted to his original name and transferred to “A” Brigade, Royal Horse Artillery, serving the next three years in India. Returned home, he was recalled from reserve on 9 March 1900, serving in South Africa until 17 August 1902.

Sold with copied research.