The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (909 Bugr. T. Whitaker, C.I.V.) edge bruising, very fine £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Tom Whitaker was born in Netley, Hampshire on 21 July 1877. A plumber by occupation, he enlisted as a Bugler into the 4th Volunteer Battalion, East Surrey Regiment on 20 February 1894 and served in that rank with their 24 man detachment in South Africa during the Boer War, in the Infantry Battalion of the City Imperial Volunteers.

During the Great War Whitaker attested for the Royal Flying Corps on 8 June 1916, his attestation form listing a prior engagement in the 1st Cinque Ports Rifles in addition to the 4th East Surreys and the City of London Imperial Volunteers. He transferred to the Royal Air Force on their formation on 1 April 1918 in the rank of Air Mechanic 1st Class, was transferred to the R.A.F. Reserve on 2 March 1919, and was deemed to have been discharged on 30 April 1920.

After Whitaker’s death at Hastings in 1959, his widow (claiming help) alleged that, in addition to the aforementioned service, he also served in the Home Guard from 1939 to 1942.

Sold together with the recipient’s Freedom of the City of London parchment certificate.