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

Three: Major R. A. Bousfield, 1st Regiment, South African Infantry, late Hartigan’s Horse

1914-15 Star (Pte. R. A. Bousfield. Hartigans Hse.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Sjt. R. A. Bousfield. 1st. S.A.I.) VM officially re-impressed, mounted as worn, traces of verdigris to VM, nearly very fine (3) £70-£90

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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Ralph Alexander Bousfield was born at Stutterheim in 1895, the son of Charles Benjamin Bousfield of Herschel, Cape Province. He initially served 118 days with Hartigan’s Horse before attesting for the 1st South African Infantry at Potchefstroom on 18 November 1915. Arriving in England 25 December 1915, he was posted to the Western Front from 25 July 1916 to 18 October 1917, but his active service was brought to an abrupt halt in consequence of a severe gunshot wound to the left leg. Evacuated back across the Channel, Bousfield spent a long period of time in recovery at Richmond Hospital before being sent back to Cape Town for further medical attention. Discharged medically unfit, his address upon demobilisation was given as the ‘Post Office, Herschel’. He later appears to have served with South African forces during the Second World War and died in Tanzania in 1949.

Sold with a large silver cigarette case with engine-turned design to front, displaying the recipient’s initials ‘R.A.B.’, further engraved to interior: ‘To Major R. A. Bousfield from Officers B/W/N.C.O.’s and African O.R.’s of 1803 Coy. A.A.P.C. (E.A.)’, hallmarked Birmingham 1918, 14cm x 8.7cm, approx. 204g, minor dents and wear commensurate with age; and copied service record.