Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Corporal W. Harvison, 12th Lancers

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, South Africa 1902 (5370 Pte. W. Harvison, 12th Rl. Lancers); 1914 Star, with clasp (5370 Pte. W. Harveson, 12/Lrs.); British War and Victory Medals (12966 Cpl. W. Harrison, 12-Lrs.); Coronation 1911, Metropolitan Police (P.C. W. Harvison) note variation in spelling of surname, mounted court style for display, minor edge bruising, very fine and better (5) £240-280

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A fine collection of 1914 Stars to the Cavalry.

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At the outbreak of war the 12th Lancers were stationed at Norwich. They entered France on 17 August 1914 as part of the 5th Cavalry Brigade, 2nd Cavalry Division.

William Harvison was born in Aldershot in 1884. As a Labourer and a member of the 3rd Kent Volunteer Artillery, he attested for the Corps of Lancers of the Line at Woolwich on 9 January 1901, giving his age as 20 (actually 16). Posted to the 12th Lancers, he joined his regiment in South Africa on 25 March 1902, just in time to qualify for the Q.S.A. After the peace in South Africa, Harvison and the 12th Lancers were posted to India. Harvison returned to England in 1908 and was transferred to the Army Reserve. On entry to civilian life he joined the Metropolitan Police in Clapham (W Division) on 22 February 1909, transferring to V Division in September 1912. On his Army Transfer to Reserve papers it is noted that he had been a Bandsman in the Regiment for the past 6 years and that he intended to join the Metropolitan Police Band.

Harvison was recalled to the Colours on 8 August 1914 and re-joined his old regiment in France on 8 September 1914. He returned Home on 5 March 1915 and was serving with the 6th Reserve Cavalry Regiment in Dublin during the Easter Uprising in 1916. Harvison was temporarily transferred to the Military Mounted Police in June 1918 and was transferred to the Class ‘Z’ Reserve on 2 May 1919, when he resumed employment with the Metropolitan Police, with whom he continued to serve until his retirement to pension on 26 February 1934.

With copied service papers, m.i.c. and other research.