Lot 3249

Description

Group of Four: Queen's South Africa Medal 1899, (type 2 reverse with clear ghost dates), - four clasps - Cape Colony, Rhodesia, Orange Free State, Transvaal; King's South Africa Medal 1902, - two clasps - South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902; Natal Medal 1906, - clasp - 1906; Permanent Forces of the Empire Beyond the Seas Long Service and Good Conduct Medal (GVR). 548 Tpr: J.Bonner, Victorian M.R. on first medal, Tpr: J.Bonnor (sic). Steinaecker's Horse. on second medal, Tpr: J.Bonner, Natal Police. On third medal, No 795. Sgt. J.Bonner (S.A.M.R.) on last medal. First three medals impressed, last medal engraved. Display mounted, the first three with contact marks, the second medal with repair to suspension, otherwise toned very fine.

John Bonner from Dixie, Vic; served with 4th Vic M.R. 22May1900-23Jun1901; recruited into Bushveldt Carbineers in East London by Lieut George Witton; one of the members of the Bushveldt Carbineers was Harry 'Breaker' Morant, bush poet, convicted and executed as a war criminal in South Africa; Tpr Bonner was discharged from the unit, now renamed Pietersburg Light Horse, on 31Jan1902; joined Special Squadron of Steinaecker's Horse 28Feb1902 and served until it disbanded 15Jul1902.

With research including a colour photo of the medal group.