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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 131

The I.G.S.M. awarded to Private W. L. Canty, Derbyshire Regiment, who was taken Prisoner of War twice in the Anglo-Boer War while attached to the Mounted Infantry

India General Service 1895-1902, 2 clasps, Punjab Frontier 1897-98, Tirah 1897-98 (4166 Lce Corl W. Canty, 2: Derby: R.), light contact marks, very fine

William Lawrence Canty was born at St Catherines, Dublin, Ireland in 1873 and attested there on 25 May 1893 with the Derbyshire Regiment. Posted first to India on 30 January 1894 he was to see action there during the disturbances on the North-West Frontier in 1897-97. The Battalion remained there until the end of hostilities when they were transferred to Malta, Canty was advanced Corporal there in 1899.

Posted to South Africa on 25 October 1899 (Medal) he served attached to the 28th Mounted Infantry. As the war descended into a Guerilla conflict Canty found himself attached to various columns hunting for Boer Commandos and was frequently ambushed. Taken Prisoner of War for the first time at Blesboklaagte, Klip River on 12 February 1902 but was soon released. It was not long before another ambush again saw him 'In the Bag' however as he was listed as taken again at Bushman's Kop on 6 March.

Canty transferred to the South African Constabulary on 1 September 1902 and remained in service until 24 May 1905. He is believed to have died in the 1950s.

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Sold for
£190

Starting price
£160