Orders, Decorations, Medals and Militaria

Africa General Service 1902-56, 2 clasps, Jubaland, Nandi 1905-06 (Desmond D. Waller), engraved naming in large capitals, unofficial clasp rivets, one or two edge bruises, very fine £500-600

Sold with a large file of research, and a copy of the article, “Something Missing”, by Keith Steward, Medal News, September 2002, both of which confirm that Waller received the above Medal and clasps, albeit after official exchanges as a result of his civilian status. As a result of these findings, the “Nandi 1905-06” clasp has been added to reflect the recipient’s correct entitlement, while the unusual style of naming is known to exist on at least one other Jubaland award - an example to an Indian Army officer. Waller enjoyed a varied and interesting career, which culminated with a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the Chinese Labour Corps in the 1914-18 War, his application for that post, dated 18 July 1917, stating:

‘I am 52 years of age, having been born on 25 January 1865 of English parents in Calcutta, India. My experience with Chinese, Burmese and Madras labourers was in Rangoon, in connection with the construction of telephone communications. Previous to that I had worked with Indians in Calcutta. I came to England when I was about 23 years old and worked here in the National Telephone Company for nine years, subsequent to obtaining Government employment in East Africa. For 17 years I have been accustomed to working among Indians, Arabs and Natives in Africa, and incidentally have lived in tents and huts in the Bush. I was Paymaster for the K.A. Rifles through the second Jubaland affair, for which I got the Africa Service Medal, and subsequently a clasp for Nandi. It will be seen from the above that for the best part of my life I have been accustomed to controlling Oriental labour, and I feel confident, if given the chance, I shall prove useful where ever I may be sent. I came home on pension from October last year, and am absolutely fit and able to do any kind of work for as long as I am required. If I am accepted for a temporary commission, I am prepared to conform to all conditions stipulated.’