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Auction: 17002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 450

(x) A presentation carved Meerschaum Pipe

With inscribed silver band, 'Sergt. R. Foster from Sergts. 1st K.R. Rifles, 23rd October 1888', in its fitted leather case

Richard John Foster was born at Charlton, near Woolwich, Kent in August 1849 and enlisted in the 60th King's Own Rifles in October 1867, aged 18 years.

Embarked for Canada in the 1st Battalion in the summer of 1868, he was advanced to Lance-Corporal and participated in the Red River operations of 1870 (Medal & clasp). Foster remained employed in Canada for another eight years, gaining further advancement to Corporal in March 1872 and to Sergeant in August 1874.

Following his return home, he was reduced to Private for neglect of duty and drunkenness in August 1878. Happily, however, he had regained his Sergeant's stripes by the time of his discharge in October 1888.

Foster settled at Newport, Monmouthshire, where he joined the Corps of Commissionaires. His wife Mary having died in 1900, he married a widow, Caroline Card, who, alas, died in 1904; sold with an extensive file of copied research.



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Sold for
£110