Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

The interesting Queen’s South Africa medal awarded to Mr H. J. Tonkin, a Civilian Clerk attached to the Army Pay Department who, although not himself a raider, was in Krugersdorp when the Jameson Raid occurred and assisted to dress and nurse the wounded in the temporary hospital there after the engagement

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Transvaal (H. J. Tonkin. A.P.D.) minor edge bruise, otherwise toned, nearly extremely fine £160-£200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Small Collection of Medals to Jameson Raiders.

View
Collection

‘MR. HENRY JAMES TONKIN, one of the leading citizens of Germiston, is a native of Penzance, Cornwall. He was born there in 1860, and when he had received his education he went to London. He remained for several years in the Metropolis, and in 1882 came to South Africa, landing in Durban. Proceeding to Maritzburg he joined the firm of Messrs. Henwood & Rosvear, general merchants, with whom he was for four and a half years, but subsequently trekked to Pretoria to take up the position of manager of Messrs. Henwood's drapery establishment. After that he went to Krugersdorp and opened a mercantile business with a partner.

Mr. Tonkin was in Krugersdorp when the Jameson Raid occurred and he assisted to dress and nurse the wounded in the temporary hospital there after the engagement. In March 1899 he enjoyed a trip home, returning to Maritzburg in September of the same year, and during the late war he controlled a private canteen for the troops at Chieveley, accompanying the British forces through the battle of Colenso to the relief of Ladysmith and on to Standerton.

He was one of the few civilians permitted to witness the burial of Lord Roberts' son, a sad incident with which he was deeply impressed. After a later experience in the Paymaster's office at Pretoria, he settled at Germiston as an outfitter, where he has continued as such.
Mr. Tonkin is chairman of the Chamber of Commerce, and is a member of the Germiston Central Club and the Germiston Athletic Club. He is married and resides at Tolcairne, Klippoortje.’ (Local publication refers)