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Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 50

(x) 'On the 9th a sudden order came for the 13th to proceed from Newcastle to Umbana. It started at 9 A.M. Umbana and Bastion Hill were clear of Boers, but Private Trustram was wounded in the arm by a sniper, of whom there were a few about.

The History of the XIII Hussars, refers

The Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to Private J. F. Trustam, 13th Hussars, who was twice wounded durnig the campaign

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1901 (4179. Pte. J. F. Tristam. 13/Hrs), some contact wear, overall very fine

James Frederick Trustam was born at Enfield, Middlesex on 25 December 1879, son of Alfred and Jane Trustam and enlisted with the 13th Hussars at Aldershot on 7 November 1898. Posted to South Africa on 19 May 1900 he was present at Newcastle on 19 October of that year with the rest of his unit, the Battalion History outlines what happened next, stating:

'Boreman's Farm was burnt by Genera; Talbot-Coke. The next morning patrols were sent out, but about 11 A.M. the half squadrons posted at Donga Spruit and the platelayer's hut were ordered to retire to their respective quarters, while C Squadron and headquarters returned to Newcastle.'

It was there that the order to march to Umbana reached the unit and as the march set out Trustam was severely wounded in the arm by a sniper. Invalided as a result of his wound on 10 July 1901 he became an Army Pensioner and worked as a cashier from the National Telephone Company in Hounslow.

Enlisting at Shoreditch for service in the Great War on 30 October 1915 with the 3rd Battalion, Queens (Royal West Surrey Regiment) and seeing home service with them (British War Medal 1914-20). Appointed Corporal in 1916 he was finally advanced as far as Orderly Room Sergeant in 1917, he was discharged on 31 March 1920.

Trustam is recorded as working as Clerk in the Civil Service and living at Banstead, Surrey. He died at Shoreham-by-Sea, Sussex on 24 February 1963; sold together with a copied extract from The History of the XIII Hussars, service papers and census data.

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

Sold for
£210

Starting price
£130