Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria to include a Fine Collection of Napoleonic Medals

Nine: Colour Serjeant J. Clarke, Army Service Corps, late King’s Royal Rifle Corps

India General Service 1854-95, 1 clasp, Burma 1889-92 (5712 Pte., 4th Bn. K. Rl. Rif. Corps); India General Service 1895-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Chitral 1895 (5712 Corpl., 1st Bn. K.R. Rifle Corps); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (5712 Serjt., K.R.R.C.) clasps mounted in that order; King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (5712 Serjt., K.R.R.C.); 1914-15 Star (SS-18715 Pte-A. Sjt., A.S.C.); British War and Victory Medals (SS-18715 A. Sjt., A.S.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (5712 C. Sjt., K.R.R.C.); Army Meritorious Service Medal, G.VI.R., 1st issue, unnamed, mounted for display, contact marks, nearly very fine and better (9) £650-750

John Clarke was born in Semer, Suffolk in 1872. In July 1890 he enlisted into the King’s Royal Rifle Corps and was posted to the 2nd Battalion in Ireland. In September 1891 Clarke was part of a draft of 80 men posted to the 4th Battalion K.R.R.C. in Burma. He served in the Burma campaign of 1889-92. In October 1892, he was one of 317 men posted to 1st Battalion K.R.R.C. in India. With them he served in the Chitral Relief Force of 1895. In 1896 the battalion was posted to South Africa. Serving throughout the Boer War, he saw action at Talana, Farquhar’s Farm; Defence of Ladysmith; Laing’s Nek and Belfast. For his services Clarke was mentioned in Lord Robert’s despatches (London Gazette 10 September 1901). Colour Serjeant Clarke was probably discharged in 1911 having completed 21 years with the Colours. With the onset of the Great War, Clarke enlisted into the Army Service Corps on 11 October 1915 and was posted to France as an Acting Sergeant on 12 November 1915. He was discharged due to sickness on 2 April 1917 and awarded the Silver War Badge (not with lot). Awarded the M.S.M. per Army Order 73 of 1949 (unnamed M.S.M. later added to the group). With a quantity of copied research including Great War service papers and roll extracts confirming Q.S.A./K.S.A. medals and clasps.