Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Laing’s Nek, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (Lieut: E. E. Ricketts. R.E. Vol:) a little polished, otherwise very fine £300-£360

Edward Ernest Rickets was commissioned Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers, from Captain, 1st Gloucester R.E. Volunteers, on 10 March 1900. ‘Captain Ricketts, who volunteered and has been accepted for service in South Africa, has had considerable volunteering experience. He joined the First Gloucestershire Royal Engineers in 1889, passed the examination in military engineering and infantry drill in 1890, was promoted to Captain in 1891, passed the examination for field officers in 1899, and has been granted the temporary rank of Lieutenant in the Royal Engineers.’ (Some Gloucestershire Officers and Volunteers at the Front, refers). Rickettes was mentioned in despatches by General Buller (London Gazette 8 February 1901) and by Lord Roberts (London Gazette 10 September 1901).

Sold with various related objects and photographs, including a combination penknife and fork, bone grips, inscribed ‘E. E. Rickets, 1st G.R.E.V.; a small pocket compass; and a contemporary publication, The War in South Africa - Some Gloucestershire Officers and Volunteers at the Front. A Local Souvenir 1899-1900, with short biographies and pictures of some 27 officers and volunteers, including Ricketts. There are several photographs of him in South Africa and others in later life, together with a news cutting announcing his mention in despatches, and a quantity of related family photographs.