Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (1759 Pte. G. Armitage, Rifle Brigade), very fine £100-120

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Cheshire and Manchester Regiments, Rifle Brigade and Royal Green Jackets formed by the late David Boniface.

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George Armitage was born in Hitchin, Hertfordshire and enlisted in the Rifle Brigade at the regimental depot in Winchester in October 1891. Originally posted to the 2nd Battalion, he transferred to the 3rd Battalion in India at the end of 1893, where he was imprisoned for 28 days in September 1896 for ‘offering violence to his superior officer’, and present in operations on the Punjab Frontier 1897-98, thereby qualifying for the relevant Medal & clasp. Returning home to an appointment in the 1st Battalion in March 1898, he was transferred to the Army Reserve in February 1899, but quickly recalled on the outbreak of hostilities in South Africa. Subsequently employed in that theatre of war until September 1902, he also qualified for the King’s South Africa Medal & clasps, and was finally discharged in October 1903.