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Auction: 24002 - Orders, Decorations and Medals
Lot: 214

(x) The Great War M.C. group of six awarded to Quartermaster & Captain J. Small, Rifle Brigade, late Gloucestershire Regiment, who was 'mentioned' during the Boer War

Military Cross, G.V.R., unnamed as issued; Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing's Nek (9611 Clr.Serjt. J. Small. Rifle Bde.); King's South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (9611 Qr:-Mr: Sjt: J. Small. Rifle Brigade.); British War and Victory Medals, with M.I.D. oakleaves (Q.M. & Capt. J. Small); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (9611 Q.M.Sjt: J. Small. Rifle Bde.), contact marks overall, very fine (6)

M.C. London Gazette 3 June 1918.

James Small was born at Aston Manor, Warwickshire on 3 April 1865 and was a watchmaker when he enlisted in the Rifle Brigade on 4 September 1888. He saw a great deal of service and was promoted to Corporal in 1890 and Sergeant in 1895 while stationed in Hong Kong. Extending his service in the colours for a further twelve years he served in Singapore for several years before returning to Britain.

Posted to South Africa with the 1st Battalion during the Boer War with the rank of Colour-Serjeant he was Mentioned in Lord Robert's final despatches in 1901 (London Gazette 10 September 1901 refers). Remaining with the Regiment after the war he was largely stationed at home but did see service in Malta briefly, being awarded the Long Service & Good Conduct Medal in 1908.

Discharged to pension in 1912 he settled in Bristol but soon returned to the colours for service during the Great War joining the Gloucestershire Regiment on 26 April 1915 as Lieutenant & Quartermaster. Entering the war on 30 January 1916 he was posted to the 35th Battalion, Machine Gun Corps with the rank of Captain. Having taken his M.C., Small was demobilised on 26 August 1919.

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

Sold for
£900

Starting price
£400