Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Transvaal, South Africa 1902 (Lieut. B. B. M. Taplin, N.Z.M.R. 8/Cont.) virtually extremely fine £300-350

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, A Collection of Medals relating to the Boer War formed by two brothers.

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Burton Bedford Montrose Taplin was born c.1880 and came from Palmerston, North Wanganui, New Zealand. A Clerk by occupation, he was employed by the National Mutual Life Insurance Company. Prior to embarking for South Africa he had served three years with ‘D’ Battery, New Zealand Royal Artillery Volunteers attaining the rank of Acting Corporal. In 1901 he petitioned through his Commanding Officer and was recommended to join the 8th Contingent with a commission as Lieutenant. The 8th New Zealand Contingent, 1000 men strong, was commanded by Colonel R. H. Davies. The North Island Regiment consisting of four squadrons (’A’-’D’) embarked on the S.S. Surrey, leaving Auckland on 1 February 1902 and arriving at Durban on 15 March. The contingent then entrained to Newcastle and from there went on to guard several passes in the Drakenberg Mountains. The contingent returned to New Zealand from Durban onboard the S.S. Britannic, leaving 4 July. The contingent was disbanded on 13 August 1902.

With copied service papers and other research, also with copied group photograph which includes the recipient.