Pair: Private M. Carey, Royal Irish Fusiliers, late Royal Dublin Fusiliers

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Relief of Ladysmith (5856 Pte. M. Carey, Rl. Dublin Fus.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (5856 Pte. J. Carey, Rl. Dublin Fus.), note different initial, slight edge bruising, very fine (2) £220-260

Michael Carey was born in the Parish of Straffa in Co. Kildare. A Farm Labourer by occupation, he attested for the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 26 August 1896, aged 18 years, 1 month. He served in South Africa from 10 November 1899 to 5 July 1900 before returning to the U.K. Further overseas service followed in Malta, January 1902-February 1903, Cyprus, February 1903-March 1904 and again Malta, March 1903-June 1904. He was transferred to the Army Reserve in June 1904 and discharged on 25 August 1908. Michael Carey re-enlisted into the Royal Dublin Fusiliers on 29 June 1909. With the onset of war, he was transferred to the 1st Garrison Battalion Royal Irish Fusiliers in December 1915 and posted to India in February 1916. He was discharged on 1 December 1917 as no longer physically fit. He died on 10 January 1946. Sold with copied service papers, death certificate and roll extract.

Medals and clasps confirmed on medal roll and service papers. Single clasp ‘Relief of Ladysmith’ scarce to Imperial troops - especially so when in conjuction with a K.S.A. medal.