Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Pair: Lance Corporal J. H. Thomas, Ceylon Mounted Rifles

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (60 Trpr: J. H. Thomas, Ceylon M.I.) clasps loose on riband as issued; Colonial Auxiliary Force Long Service, G.V.R. (No. 60 Lce. Corpl. Jocelyn Hume Thomas. Ceylon Mtd. Rif.) with two mounted miniature awards (the Q.S.A. with additional clasp for Wittebergen) the other miniature being a Volunteer Force Long Service Medal, good very fine, scarce (2) £360-400

Jocelyn Hume Thomas was born in Cumberland in 1868, and was educated at Harrow and Dulwich College. He was one of three members of the Thomas family who served with the Ceylon Mounted Infantry during the Second Boer War. His elder brother E. H. Thomas served as a Lieutenant, and his son E. H. L. Thomas also served in the ranks. Jocelyn Thomas left Ceylon as part of the 1st Contingent bound for South Africa, 1 February 1900.

Jocelyn Thomas signed for all three Q.S.A.’s, doubtless each with clasps loose as issued. His brother and his son were entitled to the clasps Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill and Cape Colony. Jocelyn Thomas was additionally entitled to Wittebergen, which does not appear on his medal. It is highly likely that the clasps were confused upon distribution between the family members.

Jocelyn Thomas returned to Ceylon after the war, and managed the Combewood Estate, 1904-1925. He continued to serve and was awarded the Colonial Auxiliary Forces Long Service Medal, 23 August 1911. Thomas died in Hailsham, Sussex, in 1947.