Three: Gunner G. Nelson, Royal Garrison Artillery

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Defence of Kimberley (9088 Gnr: G. Nelson. 23rd. W.D., R.G.A.); China 1900, no clasp (9088 Gr. G. Nelson No. 91 Co. R.G.A.); Mayor of Kimberley’s Star 1899-1900, reverse hallmark with date letter ‘a’, the reverse privately engraved ‘Gunner G. Nelson. 23 Compy. W.D. R.G.A.’ lacking integral top riband bar, mounted for wear, scratch across Monarch’s cheek to first, otherwise nearly extremely fine (3) £500-£700

George Nelson was born in the Parish of Gosforth, Newcastle, around 1877. A groom, he attested at South Shields for the Royal Artillery on 2 April 1895, serving in St. Lucia from 15 December 1896 to 6 November 1897; South Africa from 7 November 1897 to 17 July 1900; China from 18 July 1900 to 12 August 1901; and India from 13 August 1901 to 22 December 1902 - an unusual sequence of postings representative of five years’ continuous overseas service.

Returned home to England, Nelson was transferred to the Army Reserve on Christmas Eve 1902, before final discharge in the rank of Gunner on 1 April 1907. His Army Service Record adds: ‘contusion, right great toe 23-4-98.’