The Collection of Medals Formed by Bill and Angela Strong

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Wittebergen (4714 Pte. J. Sweeney, Gren. Gds.) some contact marks, very fine £80-100

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Bill and Angela Strong Medal Collection.

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James Sweeney was born in Birkenhead, Chester. A Labourer by occupation and a member of the 3rd Battalion Cheshire Regiment (Militia), he attested for the Foot Guards at London on 2 February 1894, aged 19 years, 2 months. Posted to the Grenadier Guards, he was soon in trouble. In February 1895 he was convicted of ‘offering violence to his superior officer’ and was sentenced to two months imprisonment. In July the same year, he was convicted of ‘sleeping on his post’ and sentenced to 35 days imprisonment. In April 1896 he was convicted of being drunk and assaulting the Police and was sentenced to one months imprisonment. It was probably with some relief to all concerned that his period of regular service ended in February 1897 and he was transferred to the Reserve. With the onset of the Boer War he was recalled for duty with the 2nd Battalion Grenadier Guards on 26 December 1899. He served in South Africa, March 1900-February 1901 and again, April-July 1902. Returning home, he was transferred to the Reserve in September 1902 and was discharged on 1 February 1906.

With copied service papers.