QUEENS SOUTH AFRICA BOER WAR MEDAL 2722 LATIMER 14TH HUSSARS MILITARY POLICE WW1

Offered is a Queens South Africa Medal (1899 – 1902) with 3 clasps, CAPE COLONY, ORANGE FREE  STATE, BELFAST, impressed named 2722 P^TE. J. LATIMER. 14^TH HUSSARS. comes with copies Boer War and WW1 service papers, medal roll, silver war badge list.

James Latimer was born at St Michael, Dublin in 1868. He was working as a servant (domestic) when he enlisted with the 3^rd Hussars on the 29/11/1890 in Dublin and was given the service number 2722. He was serving with the 5th (Vol) Battalion Dublin Fusiliers at the time. He transferred to the Army Reserve 29/3/1897. Recalled 20/12/99 for the South Africa War and posted to the 8^th Hussars 18/1/1900, discharged 21/5/02 from the 5^th Hussars. Served Home 29/3/1890 – 24/2/00, South Africa 25/2/00 – 19/12/01, Home 20/12/01 – 21/5/02. 12 years and 54 days.

It is unsure which units that he served in in South Africa, as he was posted to the 8^th Hussars, discharged from the 5^th, is on the 14^th Hussars medal roll with note 3^rd Hussars, and is also on the Remount Department medal roll as well. His WW1 enlistment papers states previous service with the 3rd Hussars.

WW1: At nearly 47 years old, he enlisted with the 5^th Connaught Rangers, giving his occupation as ‘groom’, and was given the service number 3540. 6/7/15 posted 3^rd Battalion, 22/9/16 posted to the Military Foot Police with a new number P4323, discharged 20/11/17 no longer being physically fit.

L/Cpl Latimer was an old soldier in more ways than one, who even though time expired, answered the call twice to serve his country. He did so until he was no longer physically capable at nearly 52 years old.  Entitled to the silver war badge.