Orders, Decorations and Medals

The Boer War D.S.O. group of three awarded to Brigadier-General Reginald Bayard, The Buffs

Distinguished Service Order, V.R., silver-gilt and enamels, complete with top suspension and contained in its Garrard & Co. case of issue; Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State (Major & Adjt. R. Bayard, E. Kent Regt.); King’s South Africa, 2 clasps (Major R. Bayard, D.S.O., E. Kent Rgt.) minor enamel chips to the green wreath on the first, light contact marks but generally good very fine (3) £900-1200

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brett Collection of Medals to The Buffs.

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D.S.O. London Gazette 31 October 1902 ‘Major, The Buffs (East Kent Regt.). In recognition of services during the operations in South Africa.’

Reginald Bayard was born on 11 September 1860, son of Robertson Bayard, B.L., of St Louis, New Brunswick. He was educated privately and entered the Army in April 1881, becoming Lieutenant in July 1881. He was Adjutant of the East Kent Regiment from April 1885 until April 1890, and became Captain in January 1893. He was also Adjutant of the Militia from February 1896 until July 1902. Major Bayard served in South Africa, with the 3rd Battalion, as Garrison Adjutant and Station Staff Officer at Kroonstad, June 1901 to January 1902. He was present during operations in Orange River Colony, May to November 1900, including the action at Lindley on 26 June. He was twice mentioned in despatches London Gazette 17 June and 29 July, 1902, and created a Companion of the Distinguished Service Order. After the Boer War, he served with the 1st Battalion, The Buffs, in the operations in the interior of Southern Arabia during 1903-04, and was latterly in command of the Battalion. He became Lieutenant-Colonel in February 1907, and commanded the 2nd Battalion from 1909 to 1911, retiring on 23 August 1911, as Colonel. He subsequently served as a Brigade Commander in the Territorial Force and was given the honorary rank of Brigadier-General in January 1918.