Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (724 Pte. A. Flewer, C.I.V.) nearly very fine £100-£140

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Arthur Flewer was born in Paddington, London in 1873. A packer by occupation he joined the 2nd City of London Rifle Volunteers in 1894 and served in South Africa with the City Imperial Volunteers during the Boer War. Upon his return from South Africa he was given a dinner by West Islington Progressive Club as reported by the City Press 21 November 1900:
‘The members of West Islington Progressive Club entertained Private Arthur Flewer, of the C.I.V., at dinner at the Central Rooms, 314 Caledonian Road, on Saturday. There was a large attendance, including a goodly muster of the volunteer members of the club. The chair was filled by Mr. A Fearnhouse, late of the Victoria and St. George’s Rifles, while Mr. H. Newton Cheesely, an old member of the London Scottish, acted as Vice-chairman. In proposing the toast of “our guest” the Chairman said he felt it a great honour to take the chair on such an occasion. He had known Private Flewer since a child, and now welcomed him back as a comrade. He lightly touched on the career of the City Imperials, and expressed the hope that all young men would be volunteers, and that their motto would be “Defence, not defiance.” The Chairman then read a letter from Mr. T. Lough, M.P., regretting his absence. Private Flewer, who was enthusiastically received, thanked the company for their warm reception, and gave a short account of his experiences in South Africa.’

Flewer died in Marylebone, London in 1949.