Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, South Africa 1901, South Africa 1902 (Capt: F. D. W. Lea-Smith. Worc: Rgt:) unofficial rivets between State and Dates clasps, good very fine £300-£400

Ferdinando Dudley William Lea-Smith was born at The Grange, Halesowen, in April 1872. He was the son of Major Ferdinando Dudley Lea-Smith, who had served with the Queens's Own Worcestershire Regiment of Yeomanry Cavalary and with the 6th Company of the Worcestershire Volunteer Rifle Corps. He was also appointed Sheriff of Worcester for the year 1860. Lea-Smith's grandfather had been commandant of the City of Worcester Militia in 1808.

Lea-Smith joined the Worcester Militia, advanced to Captain, and served with the 6th (Special Reserve) Battalion Worcestershire Regiment. He commanded the Battalion, 1911 - September 1916. Ferdinando Dudley William Lea-Smith, succeeded as the 12th Baron Dudley and entered the House of Lords as Lord Dudley of Halesowen, 9 May 1916. He died in December 1936.