Orders, Decorations and Medals

South Africa 1877-79, clasp, 1879 (1812 Pte. J. Down, 1-24th Foot); together with the British War and Victory Medals awarded to his son (32670 Pte. L. W. Down, Hamps. R.) and related Bronze Memorial Plaque (Lewis Wilfred Down) the first good very fine, otherwise extremely fine (4) £350-400

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Choice Collection of Medals and other items to the 24th Foot (South Wales Borderers).

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John Down was born in the Parish of North Lew, near Oakhampton, Devon, in 1860. He enlisted at Taunton on 10 August 1877, for the 35th Brigade, and transferred to the 1st 24th Foot on 22 February 1879, serving with the regiment in South Africa from 2nd March to 1st October, 1879. He transferred to the 32nd Foot on 1st February 1880, and was discharged in August 1883, after which he served for a further six years on the Army Reserve. He died on 18 September 1948.

Lewis Wilfred Down, born Millbrook, Cornwall, enlisted Saltash, 32670 Pte., 2/Hamps. R. (formerly 24368 D.C.L.I.) died at home on 8 July 1917.