Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Sergeant N. J. Franks, South African Engineer Corps, late Botha’s Natal Horse and 1st South African Horse

1914-15 Star (Pte. Bothas Ntl. Hse.); British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte., 1st S.A.H.); War and Africa Service Medals (88197 N. Franks) mounted as worn; together with a mounted set of five miniature dress medals (with ‘standard issue Victory Medal), good very fine (11) £70-90

Nathan/Nathaniel Jacob Franks was born in Bath, Somerset on 19 November 1891, the son of Michael and Rosa (née Jacobs) Franks. Served in the 13th (County of London) Battalion London Regiment, 1908-12. During the Great War he served in Botha’s Horse, 19 January 1915-13 August 1915, after which he served in the 1st South African Horse, January 1916-March 1917, being discharged as temporarily unfit for war service. With the start of the Second World War he attested for the 1st South African Irish Regiment A.C.F. on 20 April 1940, giving his birth date as 19 November 1898 in order to be able to enlist. Served in the South African Engineer Corps, June 1940-December 1945. Granted the temporary rank of Sergeant in June 1940. Served throughout the war in South Africa. With copied service papers and census extracts. Also with a South Africa Engineers cap badge and a riband bar.