Lot 5140

Description

Queen's South Africa Medal 1899, (type 3 reverse), - two clasps - Transvaal, South Africa 1902. 1021 Cpl L.H.Lorely. Aus:Com:Horse. Impressed but surname spelt incorrectly (should be Lovely). Toned, very fine.

Ex Noble Numismatics Sale 82 (lot 3658).

Corporal Lewis Howard Lovely Australian Commonwealth Horse, clerk, age 19, born at Semaphore, Sth Aust; Enl.06Jan1902 at Adelaide, Sth Aust

In February 1902, Pte L.H.Lovely of the Seventh Australian Contingent, a son of Colonel Lovely, the officer commanding the Infantry Brigade at Adelaide, made a world's record in rifle shooting at the Port Adelaide Ranges using a .303 rifle. In a match between B Coy Infantry, 2Bn and the Narracoorte Coy, he shot seven successive bull's eyes at 300 yards, seven at 500 yards, and seven at 600 yards and thus obtained the maximum possible score of 105. The previous record score was 104 out of 105 made at Bisley in England. The performance was made even more creditable due to the tricky wind conditions.

While in South Africa, Cpl Lovely, was given a temporary commission as Lieutenant in 4Bn ACH to fill a vacancy caused by illness to an officer. Although only young, he had several years experience with the military and was one of the best rifle shots in the state of South Australia.