The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 1st Regiment, South African Infantry

A Great War ‘Western Front’ M.M. group of four awarded to Company Sergeant Major W. M. White, 1st Regiment, South African Infantry, late South African Constabulary, who was killed in action on 10 October 1918

Military Medal, G.V.R. (4122 Sjt: W. M. White. 1/S.A. Inf:); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902, date clasp block loose on riband (99 3rd. Cl. Tpr: W. M. White. S.A.C.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (C.S.M. W. M. White. MM 1st S.A.I.); Memorial Plaque (William Mark White) glue residue to reverse of all, generally good very fine and better (5) £600-£800

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bernard Harris Collection of Medals to the 1st Regiment, South African Infantry.

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M.M. London Gazette 12 November 1918.

The original recommendation by Lieutenant Colonel H. W. M. Bamford, M.C., Commanding South African (Composite) Battalion, states: ‘In the attack and capture of Meteren on 19th July, 1918, this NCO took command when two Platoon Commanders had become casualties. By his gallant leadership the objective was gained and consolidated, under his supervision. Relieved later of his command by an officer, Sergt. White was ordered to carry an important message. He was severely wounded en route, but pluckily continued his journey and delivered his message.’

William Mark White was born in Scotland on 12 February 1880, the son of Mr. J. White of 1 Douglas Place, Galashiels, on the Scottish Borders. He served in the South African Constabulary as 3rd Class Trooper during the Boer War, and was later promoted to the rank of 2nd Class Constable on 1 February 1904; employed as a military force during the campaign, the S.A.C. fought with distinction and had the second highest casualty rate of any British or colonial regiment whilst engaged in field operations and attempts to man the Blockhouse lines. Transferred to the Pretoria District in 1905 and Transvaal Depot in 1907, White is stated in his Record of Conduct and Service (S.A.C.) as: ‘A good shoeing smith & a very steady man’. Raised to the rank of Constable, he was discharged at Durban on 31 November 1907, his conduct noted as exemplary.

Briefly returning to life as a farmer, White volunteered his services at the outbreak of the Great War and attested for the 1st South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 2 September 1915. He disembarked at Alexandria on 1 February 1916 and was transferred to Marseilles on 20 April 1916. Appointed paid Lance Corporal 4 August 1916, his army service record states that he was thrice wounded on 10 February 1917, 9 April 1917 and 27 July 1918 - the latter occasion resulting in a severe injury to his right buttock. Notified of the award of the Military Medal in August 1918, White returned to the Western Front and was advanced Acting Company Sergeant Major. He was killed in action less than two months later; aged 38 years, he is buried in Reumont Churchyard in the Nord region of France, one of just 11 identified casualties in this cemetery.

Sold with copied army service record, S.A.C. record of service and extensive private research.