The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 4 clasps, Cape Colony, Orange Free State, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill (551 Pte. S. E. Sterling, C.I.V.) nearly extremely fine £140-£180

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Jack Webb Collection of Medals and Militaria.

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Sydney Ernest Sterling was born in Clerkenwell, London in 1878. A Post Office Telegraphist by occupation he joined the Post Office Rifles in 1897 and served with their 7 man detachment in South Africa during the Boer War in the Infantry Battalion of the City Imperial Volunteers. He returned with the C.I.V. from South Africa in early November 1900 on the troopship Nubia but served again during the South African War, from 8 February 1901, as a Sapper with the 1st Telegraph Division, Royal Engineers, qualifying for the award of the King’s South Africa medal with clasps for 1901 and 1902. He was discharged at Aldershot on 29 August 1902 in consequence of the termination of his engagement.

During the Great War, Sterling attested once more for the Royal Engineers on 16 September 1915. Serving as a telegraphist in the 5th Army Signal Company, he landed with them in France on 8 June 1916 and was promoted Corporal on 14 January 1917. He was transferred to the Army Reserve on demobilisation in August 1919 and was awarded the British War and Victory Medals.