Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (3256 Pte. G. Gargrave, 1st. Essex Regt.) first digit of number double-struck, good very fine £80-£120

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A small collection of medals to the Essex Regiment.

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George Gargrave was born at Canning Town, London, on 19 May 1872 and attested for the Essex Regiment on 21 April 1891. Posted initially to the 1st Battalion, he transferred to the 2nd Battalion on 20 February 1893 and served with them for the next six years in India, being appointed Lance-Corporal on 11 November 1896. Transferring to the Army Reserve on 5 March 1899, he was recalled to the Colours on 15 February 1900, and served with the 1st Battalion in South Africa during the Boer War from 28 February to 5 October 1900. He was discharged medically unfit on 20 April 1903.

Gargrave enlisted as a Clerk Third Class in the Royal Air Force on 5 June 1918 – his R.A.F. papers refer to his 12 years’ previous service with the Essex Regiment. He was transferred to the reserve on 12 February 1919 and discharged on 30 April 1920. He did not receive any medals for his service in the Great War.