Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 5 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, South Africa 1901 (Capt. O. Harris. W. Riding. Rgt.) retaining rod between 4th and 5th clasps, edge bruise, good very fine
£600-£800

M.I.D. London Gazette 8 February 1901.

Owen Harris was born in November 1863, and was the son of Francis Harris, M.D., of 24 Cavendish Square, London and the Grange, Lamberhurst. Harris was educated at Winchester, and was initially commissioned into the 3rd Battalion, Queen’s Own Royal West Kent Regiment. He transferred to the West Riding Regiment in January 1884, and advanced to Captain in February 1890. Harris served as adjutant of volunteers, February 1892 - February 1898, and held the local rank of Major whilst commanding the 16th Battalion Mounted Infantry during the Second Boer War.

Harris was wounded in action at Klip Kraal, 16 February 1900, and again at Bothaville, 6 November 1900. Major Harris died of enteric fever and pneumonia, 9 October 1901.