The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick

Pair: Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel J. F. Bateson, Coldstream Guards

Queen’s South Africa 1899-1902, 6 clasps, Cape Colony, Elandslaagte, Defence of Ladysmith, Orange Free State, Laing’s Nek, Belfast (Surg. Maj., M.B., Coldstm. Gds.); King’s South Africa 1901-02, 2 clasps (Surg. Maj., M.B., C. Gds.), mounted as worn, very fine, scarce (2) £500-600

This lot was sold as part of a special collection, The Collection of Medals to the Medical Services formed by Colonel D.G.B. Riddick.

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John Francis Bateson was born at Liscard, Chester on 17 February 1859. After qualifying as a M.B., he entered the Army as a Surgeon, afterwards Surgeon-Captain in May 1885. He was seconded for duty with the Egyptian Army during March 1893-March 1895. In May 1897 he was promoted to Surgeon-Major and in May 1900 was appointed to the Coldstream Guards. During the Boer War he took part in the operations in Natal during 1899, including the actions at Elandslaagte, Reitfontein and Lombard’s Kop; was present at the defence of Ladysmith, including the sorties of 7 and 10 December 1899 and action of 6 January 1900. Present in the operations in Natal during March-June 1900, including the action at Laing’s Nek. Served in the Transvaal, east of Pretoria, July-November 1900, including the actions at Belfast and Lydenberg. Was also in operations in Cape Colony, April 1901-May 1902. For his services he was mentioned in despatches (London Gazette 8 February 1901). Promoted to Surgeon Lieutenant-Colonel in May 1905, he was placed on Retired Pay in September 1913 but was re-employed from 17 February 1915.