Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Warrant Officer Class I J. Reidy, Northumberland Fusiliers, late Durham Royal Garrison Artillery (Militia), who was Mentioned in Despatches during the Boer War and served a remarkable 32 Years with the British Army

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Natal, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, unofficial rivets between state and date clasps (29620 Rl: Sgt. Maj: J. Reidy. Durham R.G.A.); British War and Victory Medals (24-62 W.O. Cl.1. J. Reidy. North’d Fus.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.V.R., 2nd issue with fixed suspension (S Mjr J Reidy RA); Army L.S. & G.C., V.R., 3rd issue, small letter reverse (29620. Q.M. Sgt. J. Reidy. R.A.) light contact marks to first, generally very fine (5) £200-£240

James Reidy was born in Deptford, Kent, in 1858. He attested for the Royal Artillery on 23 March 1876 and re-engaged at Cork on 21 January 1886 for further service as Battery Sergeant Major. Awarded his Long Service ands Good Conduct Medal in 1894, he served in South Africa from 22 March 1900 to 28 November 1901, and was Mentioned in Despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901). Remaining with the Colours, the U.K. Military Campaign and Award Roll for South Africa adds: ‘At present serving on P.S. [Permanent Staff], Northumberland R.G.A. (Militia)’.

Discharged at the age of 50 years on 23 September 1908, Reidy returned to service with the Tyneside Irish during the Great War, his papers stating ‘Max 55/’, and ‘over age 2/11’. Reidy was eventually discharged for a second time due to arthritis on 11 January 1919 and was later awarded an annuity M.S.M.