Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private J. Thomson, 2nd Royal Highlanders

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Transvaal, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (9076 Pte. J. Thomson, 2nd Rl: Highrs:); Perth Tribute Medal, gold, 33 mm x 24 mm, badge of the Black Watch in gold, glazed both sides and set within a gold band surmounted by the Imperial crown and ring suspension, reverse of the badge engraved ‘South Africa 1901-2 Pte. J. Thompson 9076’, contained in its A. H. Crawford, Perth, presentation case, nearly extremely fine and very rare (2) £2000-2500

Not recorded by Hibbard.

The following two extracts are taken from the Peoples Journal for Perthshire:

1 June 1901:

‘Black Watch Volunteers’ Medal

Above is a sketch of the medal which is to be presented to the Perth Volunteers who served in South Africa. In the front of the centre is the badge of the Black Watch, surrounded by a circle of gold. On the top is the Imperial crown, while on the back is the name of the volunteer, with regimental number, date, and the words ‘South Africa’. The medal, which is a very handsome one, was designed and made by Mr A. H. Crawford, jeweller, George Street, Perth, and will, it is expected, be presented at the inspection of the 4th V.B.R.H. on Saturday, 8th June [1901].’

7 June 1902:

‘Home-coming of Black Watch Volunteers - Enthusiastic welcome at Perth...

Blairgowrie

There was a great stir in the town, caused by the home-coming of Privates Malcolm Scott and John Thomson from South Africa. The volunteers, headed by the pipe band, marched down to meet the train, which steamed into the station about a quarter past eight. Several shots were fired, and cheers raised as the two men stepped on the platform. A march round the Wellmeadow and on to the Drill Hall, accompanied by a great, cheering crowd, was the next item. There Captain Proctor in a stirring speech welcomed the young fellows, who are thoroughly tanned and in a fit condition, home again.’