Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 3 clasps, Defence of Ladysmith, Transvaal, Laing’s Nek (T. Phoenix, Sig. Natal Naval Vols.) very fine and scarce £500-£700

Signaller T. Phoenix served with the Natal Naval Volunteers during the Defence of Ladysmith and from the nominal roll appears to have been one of the original recruits with a number of 98 and joining date of 29 September 1899. The unit was 123 strong when mobilised on 29 September 1900. A section served at Ladysmith during the siege and the remainder were attached to the Royal Naval Detachment that operated with Buller’s Relief Force. The Ladysmith section reached the town on 2 October 1899 and served throughout the siege. He was discharged on 31 May 1902. The combination of clasps is unusual, only 3 being awarded to the unit, one of which was returned.

Sold with copied nominal roll of members of the unit in September 1900.