Lot 5034

Description

Queen's South Africa Medal 1899, (type 3 reverse), - three clasps - Relief of Mafeking, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal. 868 Tpr: R.Despard. Imp: Lt Horse. Impressed. Nicely toned, extremely fine.

Richard Despard, born 14Oct1865 at Rathmolyon, County Meath, Ireland; son of Richard Despard and Sophia Louise Despard (nee Noble); completed his final years of education at The Abbey School, Tipperary; later travelled to Burma becoming a police officer; moved to South Africa where he farmed; as with many colonials loyal to Britain in South Africa he answered the call for recruits and joined the 1st Battalion, Imperial Light Horse.