Eleven: Major A. Elphinstone, 6th Battalion London Regiment, late East Surrey Regiment - 10th Baronet Elphinstone of Logie Elphinstone and Nova Scotia

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Orange Free State, Transvaal (Lieut., E. Surr. Rgt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Lt., E. Surr. Rgt.); 1914-15 Star (Major, 6/Lond. R.); British War and Victory Medals (Major); 1939-45 Star; Defence and War Medals; Coronation 1902, silver; Jubilee 1935; Coronation 1953, these unnamed, mounted court style for wear, very fine and better (11) £600-700

Alexander Logie Elphinstone was born on 8 March 1880, the eldest son of John Elphinstone, H.E.I.C.S. and Emma Eliza Betham. He was educated at Dhawah, Bombay and Pembroke College, Cambridge. He was appointed a 2nd Lieutenant in the East Surrey Regiment from the Militia on 5 January 1900 and was promoted to Lieutenant in July 1902. Served with his regiment in South Africa. He resigned his commission in March 1903. In August 1914 he was appointed to a commission as Lieutenant in the Reserve of Officers; appointed Temporary Captain in the Middlesex Regiment in December 1914; transferred to the 6th (City of London) Battalion London Regiment (Rifles) in December 1915; appointed Temporary Major, December 1915. Relinquished his rank of Temporary Major in March 1917. Disembodied in May 1920. He resigned his commission in the Territorial Force and was granted the rank of Major (London Gazette 3 March 1921). Appointed to the Regular Army Reserve of Officers with the rank of Major in February 1921. Ceased to belong to the R.A.R.O. having attained the age limit in March 1930.

In April 1907, as Alexander Elphinstone, he was arrested in New York City and charged with petty larceny. In May 1907, as Alexander Elphinstone was charged with defrauding a hotel at Hoboken, New Jersey. On 5 March 1908, as Sydney Alexander, he was arrested for grand larceny in New York City and on 22 May 1908 was committed to the State Hospital for Insane Criminals at Mattewan. He was subsequently convicted in England in 1910. However, these facts were not brought together until he was actively serving in the Army and did not result in his removal from the Army as it would otherwise. In 1933 Elphinstone was again convicted, this time for conspiracy to defraud. Appearing at the Old Bailey Elphinstone was found guilty, was stripped of his former rank and bound over in the sum of £50 for two years.

In 1927 Elphinstone proved his right as to succeed as the 10th Baronet Elphinstone of Logie Elphinstone - the title had remained dormant since the death of the 4th Baronet in 1743. He also claimed the Barony of New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, 1625. During the Second World War he was attached to the British Red Cross. Sir Alexander Elphinstone died on 10 December 1970.

With a letter of recommendation on Castle Hill House, Dover embossed paper, dated 3rd Cavalry Brigade, Curragh, 25 July 1906, and signed ‘M.F.R. Br. Genl. Commg. 3rd Cav. Bde.’ Notes with the lot suggest he might have written this himself! Also with copied service papers and other research.

Orange Free State clasp with test mark. QSA and KSA clasps re-fitted and BWM re-pinned