Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 1 clasp, Belmont (8998 Pte. W. Mc‘Clair, Scots Gds:) nearly extremely fine £240-£280

William McClair attested at Glasgow for the Scots Guards on 22 May 1891. A bridge builder, he was posted to the 2nd Battalion and served until the expiration of his engagement on 21 May 1898. Recalled for service under Special Army Order of 7 October 1899, he served during the Boer War with the 1st Battalion, Scots Guards, and died at Winberg Hospital on 8 December 1899 of wounds received at Belmont on 23 November 1899. According to records held by the Scots Guards at Wellington Barracks, the recipient’s medal was sent to his widow, Mrs. Martha Jane McClair, who was at that time living at Railway Road, Waltham Cross, Hertfordshire.