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Auction: 21103 - Orders, Decorations and Medals e-Auction 4
Lot: 60

Pair: Private H. May, Northumberland Fusiliers

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Belfast, Modder River, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5125 Pte. H. May. North'd: Fus:); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (5125 Pte. H. May. North'd Fus:), traces of lacquer, very fine (2)

Herbert May was born at Bradford, Yorkshire in 1879 and was a grocer upon joining the Northumberland Fusiliers. He served in South Africa from 16 September 1899-6 April 1903 and was discharged on 1 July 1909.

May was posted missing on 25 February 1902 following the battle of Yzer Spruit, Gazetteer refers:

'On 24 February 1902 a convoy commanded by Lt-Col W.C. Anderson heading for Klerksdorp bivouacked on the farm Elandslaagte by the Yzer Spruit. Early the following morning it started and after a march of some three kilometres was attacked by a commando under the command of Asst Cmdt-Gen J.H. de la Rey. After very strong resistance, the convoy was forced to surrender. British losses were 187 killed and wounded whilst the Boers lost 51 killed and wounded.'

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Sold for
£210

Starting price
£160