Orders, Decorations and Medals

Pair: 1st Class Staff Serjeant-Major E. H. Morton, Army Service Corps

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (Qr. Mr. Sgt., A.S.C.); Army L.S. & G.C., E.VII.R. (15909 St-Serjt.-Maj., A.S.C.) minor edge bruising and contact marks, good very fine (2) £400-460

Edward Henry Morton was born in Stoke Damorel, Devonport. A Musician by occupation and a member of the 5th Battalion Royal Munster Fusiliers, he attested for regular service with the regiment on 7 January 1884, aged 17 years. Originally serving as a Drummer, becoming a Private in July 1885 and promoted to Lance-Corporal in August 1885; Corporal in July 1886; Lance-Sergeant in December 1886 and Sergeant in April 1890. In October 1891 he was promoted to Colour Sergeant and transferred to the Corps of Military Staff Clerks. Promoted to Quartermaster Sergeant in October 1894, he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant-Major and was transferred to the Army Service Corps in March 1900.

Morton served in the Cape Province, October 1891-July 1897 and in South Africa, September 1899-October 1901. Serving in the Second Boer War he was present at the battle of Elandslaagte, at the defence of Ladysmith and at the battle of Belfast. He was slightly wounded at Wonderfontaine, 1901. For his services in the war he was twice mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 8 February 1901 & 10 September 1901). In 1903 he was awarded the Army L.S. & G.C. Medal and in 1906 was promoted to 1st Class Staff Serjeant-Major. He served in Hong Kong, November 1905-March 1908. Returning to home service, his papers record ‘Wound to Throat, 20.9.08’ and ’Court of Enquiry, 13.10.08’. Morton was discharged to a pension on 6 January 1909 having completed 25 years service. He died in Tunbridge Wells, Kent on 4 February 1947. With copied service papers and other research.