Previous Lot Next Lot

Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 142

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Cape Colony (8840 Serjt: - Mr: -Tr: W. B. Luker. Rl. Fus), light contact marks, very fine

William Blackford Luker was born at Tunbridge Wells, Kent in 1875 and enlisted into the King's Royal Rifle Corps on 30 January 1895 with previous trade as that of a Tailor. Strangely he gave his birthplace as Clonmel, Tipperary, Ireland. Qualifying as a Master Tailor on 6 December 1900, Luker transferred to the Royal Fusiliers on 31 May 1901 and embarked for South Africa on 16 June 1901.

He was appointed as Sergeant Master Tailor with the 5th Battalion, Royal Fusiliers on 14 July 1901 and he was tried by Court Martial on 13 February 1902 at Ventersburg Road and reduced to Corporal. Transferring again to the 1st Battalion, King's Royal Rifle Corps on 20 May 1902 he embarked for Malta on 21 September 1902. Promoted Lance-Sergeant there on 6 October 1903 he embarked for England on 22 October 1903.

Posted to the 4th Battalion, on 1 November 1904 with the rank of Corporal, he was deprived of that rank on 4 October 1905. Reverting to the rank of Rifleman on 12 January 1906 at his own request, his two Good Conduct badges were restored. Luker was finally discharged on 29 January 1907 and died in October 1948 at Barnet, North London.

Subject to 20% VAT on Buyer’s Premium. For more information please view Terms and Conditions for Buyers.

Sold for
£100

Starting price
£100