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Auction: 24111 - Orders, Decorations and Medals - e-Auction
Lot: 157

(x) An unusual Q.S.A. to Farrier-Sergeant H. G. Whitehead, Royal Field Artillery who was discharged insane in 1906

Queen's South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, Wittebergen (79472 Cpl S:S: H. G. Whitehead. 77th Bty: R.F.A.), light contact marks and edge bruise, very fine

Harry G. Whitehead was born at Hammersmith, London in 1871 and enlisted at London on 12 June 1889 with the Devonshire Regiment. Imprisoned in 1890 he deserted and re-enlisted under the name Arthur Phillips. Whitehead was appointed Shoeing Smith with the 61st Battery, Royal Field Artillery having just returned from a posting in India.

Joining the 77th Battery as a Shoeing Smith on 11 October 1899 he was posted to South Africa with them on 3 November 1899. It was around this time that his fraudulent re-enlistment was discovered however he was exempt from trial under the Army Act of 1899. Serving through the war he was promoted Corporal Shoeing-Smith on 25 August 1901.

Re-engaging with the army at Dundee, South Africa Whitehead returned to India on 26 October 1902 and was promoted Farrier Sergeant on 27 April 1905. He was discharged the next year on 14 October 1906 as the result of ill-health, an entry in the Registry of Effects tells the full story. Whitehead is listed as 'Insane' there, he died the next year on 8 September 1907; sold together with copied medal rolls and service papers.

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

Sold for
£170

Starting price
£130