A Collection of Medals relating to the Boer War formed by two brothers

Three: 2nd Class Sergeant J. Smith, South African Mounted Rifles, late Natal Police

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Natal (2022 Tpr., Natal Police); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (2C Sgt., Natal Police); Permanent Forces of the Empire L.S. & G.C., G.V.R. (No.1124 2nd Cl. Sgt., 3rd Rgt. S.A.M.R.) nearly extremely fine (3) £300-360

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals relating to the Boer War formed by two brothers.

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John Smith was born in the Scilly Isles, England on 24 July 1875. He enlisted at Pietermaritzburg on 6 November 1897 as No 2022 Trooper, Natal Police. He became a First Class-Trooper a year later on 6 November 1898. During the Boer War he was mobilized on 11 November 1899 as a Trooper 1st Class, Natal Police. He served in the operations in Natal and was discharged on 3 May 1901. He re-enlisted in the Natal Police on 1 November 1901 retaining his rank and regimental number. He saw operational service in Natal until he was released from active duty. He again resumed police duties on 31 May 1902 and was promoted to Lance-Sergeant on 1 January 1904 and to First Class-Sergeant on 7 February 1905. During the Zulu Rebellion of 1906 he served in the Mtunzini detachment as a Court Messenger and he was an accredited as a Zulu linguist. He was awarded the Natal Medal with clasp. His final award was the Permanent Forces Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in 1917.

During the Great War he served as a Second Class-Sergeant, in the 3rd South African Mounted Rifles (No1124) on Police duties in Natal from 23 August 1914-9 July 1915. With roll extract, service details and a photocopied group photograph - men of the Natal Police, 1906 - which includes Smith.