PRE WW1 BOER WAR QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA MEDAL 3451 HERBERT ANSLEY 13TH HUSSARS

Offered is a Queens South Africa Medal (1899 – 1902), with 4 clasps TUGELA HEIGHTS, ORANGE FREE STATE, RELIEF OF LADYSMITH, TRANSVAAL, period engraved 3451. Pte. H. ANSTEY. 13/ Hussars. Comes with copy service papers, medal rolls and census 1891.

Herbert Anstey was born on the 11/8/1876 in Coventry, Warwickshire. The 1891 census records him as 14 years old and working as a machinist (cycle) in Coventry.

He was serving in the 3^rd Battalion Royal Warwickshire Regiment (Militia) with his civilian employment recorded as ‘machinist’ when he enlisted into the Regular Army with the 13^th Hussars on the 28/9/1894 (service number 3451) with whom he served for his time in service.

He served Home 28/9/1894 – 9/11/99. South Africa 10/11/99 – 23/7/1900. Home 24/7/1900 – 27/2/1901. South Africa 28/2/1901 – 24/9/1902. Home 25/9/1902 – 7/11/1902. Army Reserve 8/11/1902 – 27/9/1906.

It is possible that he was returned home sick 24/7/1900 -27/2/1902 and then returned to South Africa to re-join the 13th Hussars, who stayed in South Africa until 1902. From there they took the train to Aldershot where they were installed in the East Cavalry Barracks.

The war had cost the regiment the lives of 80 men: 12 killed in action, 5 died of wounds, 3 were drowned and the rest died of dysentery, enteric fever, pneumonia etc. The wounded figures were 4 officers and 46 other ranks. The total number of men of the 13th that served at some time during the South African War was 1,376. The number invalided home was 296, but many returned.

Of the original number who sailed out in Nov 1899, 150 returned home in Sep/Oct 1902.

The medals for the South African War were presented to the officers and men at a parade on the 23rd March 1903. They were given out by Major-General Baden-Powell.

Also entitled to the Kings South Africa Medal with clasps South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902.