Seven: Corporal T. T. Pope, South African Infantry, late Imperial Yeomanry

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901 (14595 Pte., Impl. Yeomanry); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Scout J. T. Pope, Field Intel. Dept.); 1914-15 Star (Pte., 5th Infantry); British War and Victory Medals (Cpl., 5th Infantry); War and Africa Service Medals 1939-45 (328102 T. T. Pope), note different initials on K.S.A., very fine and better (7) £180-220

Thomas Turner Pope enlisted into the 76th Company 20th Battalion Imperial Yeomanry (Rough Riders) on 9 March 1900. Discharged in Capetown on 7 May 1901, he re-enlisted into the Field Intelligence Department, being employed as a Scout. Based at Worcester Intelligence Department H.Q. in the Cape Colony, he was discharged on 20 June 1902. In the Great War he attested for service with the 5th Infantry Kaffrarian Rifles on 26 September 1914, aged 42 years, and served in German South West Africa during 1914-15. Unconfirmed notes with the lot suggest he was wounded during that campaign, his discharge certificate dated 30 April 1915 states ‘discharged in consequence of demobilisation’. After his Great War service he was employed on the South African Railways. With the onset of the Second World War, unconfirmed notes suggest he was at first unsuccessful in his attempt to enlist. He then went to Johannesburg where he served under the Director-General, War Supplies at Milner Park, November 1940-December 1941. Then, falsifying his age, he successfully enlisted into the South African Air Force on 5 February 1942 and served as an Acting Corporal. He was discharged on medical grounds on 28 December 1942.

Sold with a number of original documents: letter confirming leave (torn and repaired), from the Intelligence Dept., Worcester, dated 18 February 1902, reading, ‘Mr Pope, Intelligence Officer Southern’s Staff is proceeding to Cape Town on five days leave to return on the 23rd February 02’; Discharge Certificate dated 30 April 1915; 1914-15 Star Entitlement Certificate, addressed to ‘Mr T. T. Pope, S.A. Railways, Mafeking, C.P.’; Discharge Certificate dated 5 February 1942; notification of award of the War and Africa Service Medals dated 5 June 1947; S.A. War Veterans’ Association Member’s Card - Cape Branch, showing enrollment in 1955 as a life member; P.R.O. letter dated 1961 confirming Boer War service; letters (4) dated 1961, concerning possible service in the Natal Rebellion 1906. Plus notes providing a summary of service and two copied photographs of the recipient.