Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Warrant Officer F. H. Tilke, Devon Regiment

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Elandslaagte (4753 Cpl. F. H. Tilke, Devon: Regt.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 1 clasp, South Africa 1902 (4753 Pte. F. H. Tilke. Devon: Regt.); 1914-15 Star (7490 Sjt. F. H. Tilke, Devon. R.); British War and Victory Medals (7490 W.O. Cl.2. F. H. Tilke. Devon. R.) generally good very fine and an extremely rare combination of clasps (5) £600-800

Private Tilke was severely wounded at the battle of Elandslaagte, 21 October, 1899, and was one of only 12 men of the Devons to receive this single clasp. He recovered from his wounds and returned to South Africa in 1902 to earn the clasp for ‘South Africa 1902’ on his King’s medal, also very rare as a single clasp and one of only four to the regiment. The combination of these two single clasp medals is of the highest rarity. Sold with research including a copy photograph of the recipient.