Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

British South Africa Company Medal 1890-97, reverse Rhodesia 1896, no clasp (1111 Pte. E. J. Smith, 2/Rif. Bde.) suspension slack, very fine and scarce £600-700

Provenance: DNW, March 2005.

Edward James Smith was born in London, and attested for the Rifle Brigade at Winchester, 16 March 1891. He served with the Regiment in South Africa twice, 2 May 1896 - 22 June 1897 and 3 October 1899 - 24 January 1900 (entitled to Q.S.A.). Smith was discharged 9 April 1903, having served 12 years and 29 days with the Colours.

Only one officer and 30 N.C.O.’s and men of the Rifle Brigade were awarded the British South Africa Company’s Medal 1890-97 with ‘Rhodesia 1896’ reverse, the whole having been drawn from the 2nd Battalion for service in the Rifle Company of the Mounted Infantry Section.