Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Cape Colony, Transvaal (Lieut. N. M. Griffiths, R. Welsh Fus.), initials officially corrected, the riveted clasps loose on riband, better than very fine £220-260

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to Welsh Regiments formed by the Late Llewellyn Lord.

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Nathaniel Maurice Griffiths was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in the 1st (Volunteer) Battalion, Royal Welsh Fusiliers in July 1897. Having then been advanced to Captain in January 1899, he was given the rank of Lieutenant whilst serving in his battalion in South Africa. As confirmed in His Majesty’s Territorial Army (Vol. I), by Richards, he was mentioned in despatches:

‘In all three Special Service Companies went from the Battalion, with six officers. They formed part of Barton’s Union Brigade and fought at Rooidam, Kraal Pan, Frederickstadt, not to mention minor engagements. At the first-named battle the Royal Welsh Fusiliers were opposed to the centre of the Boer position, which, with the Royal Fusiliers, they were ordered to assault. This they did over ground destitute of cover and exposed to ‘a heavy and well-directed fire.’ The result of the action we now know - that ‘by 3 p.m. the commandoes had fled.’ Elsewhere, and notably in the prolonged fighting round Frederickstadt, the regiment was ‘in the thick of it’ and it may be considered a most happy and extraordinary favour of fortune that the Volunteer Battalion had no casualties to report. Amongst those mentioned in despatches were Lieutenant N. M. Griffiths and Sergeant W. Hannon, of the Denbighshires.’

Griffith resigned his commission in November 1901; sold with copied research.