FITZROY VICTORIA TROOPER TRIGGS BOER WAR MEDAL SCOTTISH HORSE PRE WW1 AUSTRALIA
$304.00
SOLD
Offered is a Boer war campaign medal to Trooper William Triggs, a Australian, who served with the 2nd Scottish Horse
Queens South Africa Medal (1899 – 1902) with 5 clasps, CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE STATE, TRANSVAAL, SOUTH AFRICA 1902, SOUTH AFRICA 1901, Impressed named 40412 TPR W.H. TRIGGS. SCOTTISH HORSE. Comes with copies medal rolls, newspaper articles, photograph and election roll 1909.
William Henry Triggs, was born in 1883 at Fitzroy, Victoria. He enlisted into the 2nd Scottish Horse 24/1/1902, discharging on 6/7/1902 when the unit was disbanded. He had been a member of the Fiztroy Rifle Club and a newspaper article dated 11/8/1902 reported: In the Fitzroy team, the two young members W.H. Triggs and J. Talmage made their appearance fresh from the scene of the Boer War, which they went to take part in some eight months ago. Both young fellows saw plenty of active service whilst in South Africa where they operated in the ranks of the Scottish Horse into which they were drafted upon arrival. They took part in most of the ‘drives’ in the Eastern Transvaal and Orange River Colonies under Bruce Hamilton and were continually at work in the fighting lines. Both gained several decorations for good service and Talmage was promoted to the rank of Lance Corporal for special work done by him. Their certificates of discharge show the entry ‘character exemplary’ so it is plain that they upheld the good opinion formed of them by their associates when they left. Both were warmly welcomed back by the club and congratulated on their good records and safe return.
He resided in Fitzroy until his unfortunate and horrific death on 31/1/1951, due to the effect of ‘shock and toxemia’ following burns (accidental), with a subsequent inquest being held. Neighbours had found him in a smoldering bed (probably as a result of smoking in bed), which he had been confined to for about a week due to illness.
The medal roll shows that he attested in Durban 24/1/1902, therefore he may not be entitled to the clasp South Africa 1901.
