Orders, Decorations and Medals

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Cape Colony, Tugela Heights, Orange Free State, Relief of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek, South Africa 1901 (70833 Bomb. Whlr. T. Kirkwood, 14th Bty. R.F.A.), surface scratches, severe edge bruising and heavily polished, fair £220-250

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Brian Kieran Collection.

View
Collection

Talbot Kirkwood enlisted in the Royal Artillery at Woolwich in February 1889 and was posted as a Gunner to 46th Field Battery, R.F.A., in which capacity he served in India from 1890-94. Advanced to Bombardier Wheeler back in the U.K. in the latter year, he was embarked for South Africa as a member of 14th Battery, R.F.A. in October 1899 and subsequently won entitlement to the above described Medal & clasps (T.N.A. WO A7/5293 refers), and a mention in despatches (London Gazette 8 February 1901 refers), the latter quite possibly in respect of the famous “V.C. action” at Colenso. Returning to the U.K. as a newly promoted Corporal Wheeler in late 1901, he was discharged with a war gratuity of £7 in February 1902.