Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Five: Major J. S. Armstrong, York & Lancaster Regiment

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896 (Lieut. J. S. Armstrong. 2/Y. & Lancr. Regt.); Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Natal, Transvaal (Lieut. J. S. Armstrong. 1/Yk. & Lanc. Rgt.); King‘s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt. J. S. Armstrong. York & Lanc. Rgt.); British War and Victory Medals (Major J. S. Armstrong.) good very fine or better (5) £1000-1200

John Saunders Armstrong was born at Bath on 4 July 1868. He was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, from 4th Royal Welsh Fusiliers (Militia), into the 2nd Battalion, York & Lancaster Regiment on 18 February 1891; Lieutenant, January 1895; Captain, March 1901; transferred to 1st Battalion, June 1898. He served with the 2nd Battalion in Rhodesia in 1896 (Medal), and with the 1st Battalion and on the Staff as Signals Officer during the South African campaign from 9 February 1900 to 24 June 1902, including operations in the Transvaal, Orange River Colony, June 1901 to 31 May 1902 (Queen’s Medal with 2 clasps, King’s Medal with 2 clasps).

Armstrong served with the 9th (Service) Battalion in France from 6 June 1916. In the battle of the Somme on 1 July 1916, the 9th Battalion were virtually wiped out, with 22 officers and 556 other ranks casualties. Armstrong helped to re-form the battalion and remained in France until April 1917. Sold with further research.