Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Belfast (4359 Pte. W. E. Chamberlain, Devon. Regt.) contact marks, nearly very fine £280-320

William Ernest Chamberlain was born in Norwood, London, in 1875, and attested for the Devonshire Regiment at London on 19 August 1895. Posted to the 2nd Battalion, he served with the Regiment in India from 9 September 1896 to 20 September 1899, and was awarded the India General Service Medal 1895-1902 with clasp ‘Punjab Frontier 1897-98’. He subsequently served in South Africa during the Boer War from 21 September 1899 to 18 January 1902 (and was additionally awarded the King’s South Africa Medal with two clasps), before returning to India until 25 March 1903. He transferred to the Army Reserve on 27 March 1903, and was discharged on 18 August 1907 after 12 years’ service.