Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (Major. Hon: W. Maxwell. L’pool Rgt:) mounted in a glazed display frame, minor dinting to top clasp, nearly extremely fine £240-280

The Honourable Walter Constable Maxwell was born at Everingham Hall, Yorkshire, on 13 August 1849, the fifth son (and one of 16 children) of the 10th Baron Herries of Terregles, and was educated at Stonyhurst College. In 1868 he obtained a commission in the Papal Zouves, who were at this time fighting Garibaldi’s Red Shirts during the unification of Italy, and served in the Papal Army defending Rome, where he was part of the watch that was maintained at the Coliseum. The city eventually fell, and Maxwell returned to England with the British contingent in 1870. He subsequently emigrated to America, and settled as a rancher in Big Creek, Herzog, Kansas, where he also established a Roman Catholic church. Returning to England in 1880, he obtained a commission in the 4th (Militia) Battalion, King’s (Liverpool) Regiment, stationed at Warrington, and was promoted Captain in 1883.

On 6 January 1902 the 4th Battalion, Liverpool Regiment sailed for South Africa, and Maxwell served during the Boer War as the Battalion’s Second-in-Command, where they took part during the Guerrilla War in the region between Mafeking and Litchenberg. Returning home, Maxwell relinquished his commission in 1905, aged 56, and was granted the honorary rank of Lieutenant-Colonel. He died in Knightsbridge, London, on 7 December 1925.

Sold with a photographic image of the recipient, and a file of copied research.