Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (2704 Pte. J. Parkin, Durham Lt. Infy.) good very fine £90-110

John Parkin was born at Brauncepeth, Co. Durham. He was a miner and enlisted into the 1st Battalion Durham Light Infantry at Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 27 July 1887, aged 18 years and 7 months. Attaining the rank of Corporal in 1892, he transferred to the Reserve in 1894 on completion of his period of service. On 4 August 1899 he attested and rejoined the Colours and later regained his rank as Corporal, serving with the 1st Battalion D.L.I. in South Africa. On 31 July 1900, whilst on active service, he was tried by Court Martial for drunkenness on duty and for receiving stolen goods, for which he was sentenced to be reduced to the ranks and given 112 days hard labour. As a Private he continued to serve until March 1903 when he was discharged. In his later civilian life he became an locomotive driver. Parkin died in Gateshead on 13 May 1946, aged 78 years. Sold with copied service papers and copy of his Death Certificate. Research indicates he was entitled to a King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps; the roll states that this medal was forfeited but later restored.