Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria, to include the Brian Ritchie Collection (Part I)

Five: Private R. H. Cottingham, Royal Fusiliers, late King’s Shropshire Light Infantry

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 7 clasps, Relief of Kimberley, Paardeberg, Driefontein, Johannesburg, Diamond Hill, Belfast, South Africa 1901 (2464 Pte., 2ns ShropshireLt. Infy.); 1914-15 Star (12924 Pte., R. Fus.); British War and Victory Medals (GS-12924 Pte., R. Fus.); Khedive’s Star 1884-6, unnamed, very fine and better (5) £300-350

Robert Henry Cottingham was born in 1886 at King Williams Town, Cape Colony. Educated at the Royal Hibernian Military School, Dublin, he enlisted into the 2nd Shropshire Light Infantry in 1880. With the regiment he served in Egypt and was awarded the Egypt Medal with Suakin clasp and Khedive’s Star. Joining the 4th Battalion in 1896 he served in the Boer War, at times with the 4th battalion, 2nd battalion and later, the 4th Mounted Infantry, gaining the Queen’s medal with seven clasps. He attested for the 3rd (Militia) Shropshire Light Infantry in 1903 and served with them until 1907. Upon the outbreak of the Great War, he enlisted again, this time with the 25th Battalion Royal Fusliers, serving over 2 years in East Africa . He was discharged in 1917 because of debility and was awarded the Silver War Badge. He died in 1958.Sold with three copies of the K.S.L.I. Regimental Journal which list his military career and obituary. Also with a quantity of copied service papers and other research.

The recipient was born in 1866