Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Private F. J. W. Kirsten, 12th South African Infantry

British War and Bilingual Victory Medals (Pte. F. J. W. Kirsten, 12th S.A.I.), extremely fine

Three: Corporal F. J. Botes, 1st South African Horse

British War Medal 1914-20 (Cpl. F. J. Botes, G.M.P.); Bilingual Victory Medal 1914-19 (Cpl. F. J. Botes, 1st S.A.H.); War Medal 1939-45, together with a South African ‘On Service’ lapel badge, very fine or better (6) £80-100

Fred John William Kirsten was taken in the strength of the 12th South African Infantry in December 1915 and embarked for East Africa in the following year. As part of Tighe’s 2nd Division, Kirsten and his regiment supported the attack on Latema-Reata on 11 March 1916 when, in company with the 4th South Africa Horse, they skirmished with the enemy on the northern flank of Latema Hill. A few days later, however, Kirsten was admitted to a Field Ambulance suffering from Malaria. Having then been discharged and returned to his unit, he suffered from Myalgia and recurring Malaria, as a consequence of which he was embarked for South Africa in early 1918, where he was discharged that July; sold with copied service record.

Francois Johannes Botes also served in the Second World War, being taken on the strength of the 1st Mounted Regiment as a Rifleman in June 1940. He was discharged in October 1945 and also entitled to the South Africa Service Medal 1939-45; sold with copied service record in respect of this later service.