Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 2 clasps, Natal, Transvaal, unofficial rivets between clasps (3288. Corpl. W. G. Bell. A.O.C.) engraved naming, very fine £70-90

William George Bell was born at Lowestoft, Suffolk, in 1872 and attested for the Ordnance Store Corps at Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, on 2 July 1894. He transferred to the Army Ordnance Corps upon the latter’s formation on 1 April 1896, and served with them in South Africa during the Boer War from 18 March 1900 to 2 June 1903. He was promoted Corporal on 4 March 1901; Sergeant on 3 October 1902; and Staff Sergeant on 5 October 1910, and was awarded his Army Long Service and Good Conduct Medal in October 1912. Promoted Staff Quartermaster Sergeant on 12 August 1914, he subsequently served with the Army Ordnance Corps during the Great War on the Western Front from 15 August 1914 to 18 June 1916 (entitled to a 1914 Star trio), and was ultimately advanced to Warrant Officer Class II. He was discharged on 1 July 1916, after 22 years’ service.

Sold together with a copied group photograph of the Officers and Staff, Army Ordnance Corps and Department, Aldershot 1913, showing the recipient.