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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 70

The Queen's South Africa Medal awarded to Lieutenant-Commander H. S. W. Boldero, Royal Navy, who was 'mentioned' for his fine actions with the Naval Guns of Terrible at the Battle of Colenso

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Ladysmith (Mid: H. S. W. Boldero, R.N, HMS Terrible), mounted as worn by Spink & Son, ship officially re-impressed, very fine, housed in a custom case for both full-size and miniature award, hinge broken on this last

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 February 1901.

Herbert Seymour Webb Boldero was born on 29 August 1882, the son of Lieutenant Harry Stuart Boldero (who wrote A Young Heart of Oak), who died in December 1887, and related to the Boldero's who served at Waterloo (one his grandfather, the other his great-uncle). He was also related to the Barttelot Baronets of Stopham.

Young Boldero entered Britannia as a Naval Cadet in January 1897 and was made Midshipman in July 1898. During the Boer War he was landed with Terrible and served at the Battle of Colenso and was 'mentioned' for his services in the Relief of Ladysmith, further being noted for early promotion once he passed his Lieutenant's exams. At Colenso he was specially noted by Lieutenant F. C. A. Ogilvy, who was commanding the six 12-pounders of the Naval Brigade:

'I might mention that Mr. Boldero and Mr. Hodsou, Midshipmen, and Mr. Hollins, clerk, were attending on me noting ranges and carrying messages between the guns during the four hours we were working at the drift.'

Unfortunately he was invalided from Terrible as a result of 'mental disease' in March 1900, being passed fit on 24 September 1900. Sub-Lieutenant in February 1902 and Lieutenant in February 1903, he was invalided from the Royal Navy in March 1907 as a result of 'disease of the nervous system'. Advanced Lieutenant-Commander (Retired) in February 1910, he died on 29 May 1940.

For his miniature dress Medal, please see Lot 305.

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Sold for
£950

Starting price
£240