Six: Sergeant J. Johnson, East Kent Regiment, later South African Constabulary, Royston’s Horse, and Welsh Horse

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal (5398 Sjt. J. Johnson. E. Kent R.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (81 Cpl. J. Johnson. S.A.C.); Natal 1906, 1 clasp, 1906 (No. 648 Cpl. J. Johnson. Royston’s Horse.); 1914-15 Star (316 Pte. -A. Cpl.- J. Johnson. Welsh H.); British War and Victory Medals (316 A. Sjt. J. Johnson. Welsh H.) the QSA a somewhat later issue; edge bruising to Natal, lacquered, generally very fine and better (6) £500-£700

James Johnson was born in Gosport, Hampshire and attested for the Royal Marine Light Infantry in London on 25 April 1889, being discharged on 14 October 1896. He next attested for the East Kent Regiment at Canterbury on 18 November 1898, and was posted to the 3rd Battalion. Promoted Corporal on 18 January 1900, he served with them in South Africa during the Boer War, and the Q.S.A. Medal roll implies he also worked with the Imperial Military Railways. He transferred to the South African Constabulary on 1 June 1901, and was discharged on 16 August 1902.

Johnson saw further service with Royston’s Horse during the Natal Rebellion of 1906, and with the Welsh Horse during the Great War, serving from 23 September 1915. His last posting was to the Labour Corps.

Note: The recipient’s original Queen’s South Africa was sold in these rooms in July 2015; the replacement Q.S.A. included with this lot was issued on 14 January 1924.

Sold with copied South African Constabulary service papers.