Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Belmont, Modder River, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein (131295 P-O R. W. Strike, H.M.S. Monarch) very fine £400-460

Only 61 Relief of Kimberley clasps to the Royal Navy. Approximately 144 medals were issued with five clasps, including 16 to Monarch, six with this clasp combination.

Richard William Strike was born in Esher, Surrey on 7 May 1870. He entered the Royal Navy as a Boy 2nd Class in March 1885 and was advanced to Boy 1st Class in May 1886. He was promoted to Ordinary Seaman on the Diamond in May 1888 and to Able Seaman on the same ship in February 1889. Strike was promoted to Leading Seaman on the Galatea in October 1896 and to Petty Officer 2nd Class on the same vessel in January 1897. He served on the Monarch, January 1897-April 1900 during which time he saw active service in the Boer War. He was posted ashore, time expired in May 1900 and joined the Chatham R.F.R. in July 1902, re-enrolling in 1907 and again in 1911. Sold with copied service paper.