Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 23003 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 77

(x) Pair: Lieutenant-Colonel C. G. S. McAlester, Royal Scots Fusiliers, Clan Chief of McAlester

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Capt. C. G. S. Mc Alester, R. Scots Fus:); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Cpt. C. G. S. Mc Alester. Rl. Scts. Fus.), nearly extremely fine (2)

Charles Godfrey Somerville McAlester was born at Kilmaurus, Ayrshire, Scotland on 21 January 1868, the son of Charles and Williamina McAlester of Dunsking House, Ayrshire. The young McAlester was educated at Cheltenham College (Newick House) where he served in the School Rifle VIII between 1885-86 and captained in in 1887. Perhaps it was this success which drove him to joining the Militia, being commissioned 2nd Lieutenant on 3 December 1887 with the 3rd (Militia) Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers.

Later that same year he took a place at Balliol College, Oxford here he was somewhat less successful, achieving a 3rd in his Classical Moderations. Despite this McAlester persevered and began to study Law while also continuing to advance in the Militia, being promoted Lieutenant on 19 October 1889 and Captain on 13 July 1891. Admitted to the Inner Temple in 1892 McAlester began to work as a barrister.

Deployed for service in the Anglo-Boer War with the Army Service Corps McAlester was stationed west of Pretoria from July-November 1900. He was later appointed Commandant at the town of Nelspruit in that same region. Returning from the war he was appointed Major on 1 August 1905.

McAlester's final appointment was as Major and Honorary Lieutenant-Colonel of the 3rd Battalion, Royal Scots Fusiliers in the Special Reserve. On the death of his father he became the Clan Chief of McAlester and was a J.P. and Deputy Lieutenant for Ayrshire. McAlester died there on 14 March 1931; sold together with copied research including extracts from the London Gazette, War Services of Officers of the Army and Evening Mail as well as old pupil listings from Cheltenham College and Balliol College.

Notably his son, of the same name, was awarded both the D.S.O. and M.C. during the Second World War.

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

Sold for
£350

Starting price
£190