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Auction: 22101 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 73

(x) Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Talana, Defence of Ladysmith (3465 Pte J. Joyce, I: Leic: Regt), lacquered, good very fine

James Joyce was born in 1871 at Birmingham. He worked as a Shoemaker prior to enlistment with the Leicestershire Regiment on 26 July 1892. Posted to Jamaica 17 January 1894, it was here he developed the tendencies which saw him in much trouble over the coming years: Joyce was first imprisoned on 20 April by his C.O. Released on 3 May he was confined again on 3 July the following year for 'offering violence'. Released on 12 July 1895 and posted to South Africa on 22 December, the change of scene didn't prevent further breaches of discipline and Joyce was soon imprisoned again for 'breaking out of barracks' on 3 August 1898: he remained there for 42 days before returning to duty on 14 September 1896. After this he kept in line for a while, taking part in the Second Boer War and seeing action at Talana and during the Siege of Ladysmith. Being transferred to the Depot on 27 August 1900 he returned to Britain. However it appears he did not like his new role; Joyce was posted absent without leave from 4-25 February 1901 and the next month he deserted (30 March). Captured on 7 May at Birmingham he was tried on 21 May and imprisoned on 29 May. Joyce was not in prison for long, released on 15 July he was soon invalided from the service on 21 October 1901; sold together with copied service records.

Subject to 5% tax on Hammer Price in addition to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium.

Sold for
£450

Starting price
£240