Other Properties - Australian Singles

Lot 3626    SESSION 13 (2.30PM THURSDAY 21ST NOV)    Other Properties - Australian Singles

Estimate $300
Bid at live.noble.com.au
SOLD $1,000

QUEEN'S SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 1899, (type 3 reverse), - four clasps - Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901. 2028 Tpr T.Miller. Doyle's Aust.Scts. Impressed but renamed, possibly officially as they were not issued until 1907 (see below). No ribbon, dark toned and traces of cleaning compound, otherwise good very fine.

T.Miller's service file held in New Zealand has minimal information however it does contain some correspondence. On 31 July 1907 A.D.O.S. at Royal Arsenal Woolwich, England wrote to A.A.G. NZ Defence Forces, Wellington forwarding 4 Queen's South Africa Medals and clasps to various ex-members of Doyle's Australian Scouts, naming the four recipients including 2028 Tpr T.Miller. On the medal roll for Doyle's Scouts, the only recorded service no.2028 is to Charles Baker and there is no T.Miller on the roll. Perhaps T.Miller served under an alias and later advised his correct name which has resulted in the official impressed renaming of his medal.

On 13 September 1907 the NZ Council of Defence advised by letter addressed to T.Miller late Doyle's Australian Scouts, Liverpool Street, Wanganui that his medal and four clasps for Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal and South Africa 1902 was ready to be sent and could a delivery address be supplied as well as details of any other units in which he served.

Much later, on 6 April 1908, T.Miller's father responded stating that he apologised for the delay in replying but his family had not heard from their son for over a year. Initially his son had left Sydney, Australia with horses for the troops in South Africa and apart from Doyle's Australian Scouts his son did not serve in any other unit. He also requested that his son's medal and clasps be sent to him. Subsequently on 15 April 1908 the medal with four clasps was sent to T.Miller, c/- Mr R.Miller (his father), 17 Lombard Street, Palmerston North. An acknowledgement of the receipt of medals was then signed by Robert Miller, witnessed by Mrs Sarah Miller, on 20 April 1908.